Another significant milestone in the regeneration of the Buried (Clydach) Lock was reached last week with the installation of the lower lock gates.

Our contractor Daley Homes, using a large telehandler, took great care with the huge steel panels to ensure the correct alignment and balance as the gates were lowered into place on the bottom mounts and fine-tuned into position using the upper retaining clamps.

This was the next significant step after the single top gate was fitted in late July, along with most of the paddle gear to control water flow into the lock chamber. Wooden edging beams will soon be fitted which will form watertight seals when the gates are closed, bringing the lock closer to an operational condition.

Finally, a footbridge, crafted by Gordon, was hoisted into its place just below the bottom gates.

The bridge will provide access across the chamber to operate the gates and paddles, once the canal is fully ‘in water’. That day is nudging ever closer and we can’t wait to see it!