Tuel Lane Lock: UK's deepest canal lock gets spring clean
Unlike most locks, members of the public are not allowed to operate the mechanisms themselves, because of its depth and its proximity to a tunnel.Instead, the trust said that lock-keepers helped crews to negotiate the gates.The lock is so deep because it replaced a pair of earlier locks when it was built in 1996 to enable the canal to tunnel under a road built on its original level and provide a more efficient route.Volunteer Maureen Readle said: "I've enjoyed lots and lots of canal boating holidays with my husband. We wanted to help give back to the canals by volunteering when we retired."I have also adopted a stretch of the canal, too, which my husband and I look after."When I took part the first time two years ago, I'd never worn a pair of waders before, let alone being waist high in water, helping to look after the UK's deepest lock."
Sean McGinley, regional director, Yorkshire & North East at Canal & River Trust, said: "Lock-keepers, many of whom are volunteers, are the face of the canals and play a vital and iconic role within our charity."Lock-keepers have been a presence on Britain's canals for hundreds of years, although the role has changed over time."Today, they help to look after the nation's beautiful waterways, assist boaters on their journeys, provide information and advice to visitors on the towpath, and maintain historic locks."
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