Take a walk on the ‘wet’ side this weekend

The Canal and River Trust will be unlocking the secrets of the Sprotbrough Lock when they allow members of the public to take a closer look at its workings after the 7.5 metre deep structure was drained to allow £100,000 maintenance works.

Between 10am and 4pm on Sunday (16) visitors can walk along the lock bottom and direct questions to the Trust’s craftsmen.

Jon Horsfall, waterway manager for the North East region said: “This is the first time we’ve had the chance to hold an open day in South Yorkshire and it gives us a unique chance to show members of the public our preservation work and an understanding of what it takes to keep the waterways working.”

The month-long project to replace the lock gates at Sprotbrough runs until February 28.

Near-identical maintenance works are currently being carried out by the Trust at Aldwarke Lock, in Dalton, Rotherham.

For more details about the Sprotbrough Lock open day visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/restorationandrepairs.