Lock Keepers

Following on from the success of the Lengths Persons, SVCC has developed a second group of trained and able teams of volunteer Lock Keepers. There was already a small, dedicated lock maintenance team based at the CCT Western Depot. This team did have some modest specialist equipment to carry out the necessary routine maintenance of the locks on the canal but due to the number and distance apart, there was only so much that a small team could do.

So, in 2018 a call went out to recruit some new volunteers who could ‘pair up’ and take on the lower level of repairs and day to day maintenance of each lock. Again, SVCC was successful in recruiting pairs of volunteers to adopt a lock and to take on the necessary TLC and observations of the functioning of each working lock. SVCC has even be successful in finding keen and willing teams to take on the partially restored locks as well. By the middle of 2019, all locks had a pair of volunteers acting as lock keepers and their work is really beginning to bear fruit. By having volunteers reporting the condition of the locks as well as keeping them spick and span supports the valuable work of the lengths persons, and they combine well to take pride in their work, ease the pressure on the skilled teams and act as a visible ambassador for the whole canal project. As working on a lock is closer to the water and potentially a long way from the top of the lock to the level below, often over 4 metres, the teams work in pairs and are instructed to always wear a life vest. All the PPE equipment is provided by SVCC from their existing budget.

The duties of the lock keepers were defined by the CCT Lock Manager and endorsed by SDC. They are:

  • To work with the Lock Keeping person in charge to keep the balance beams and mooring bollards painted and clean on a regular basis.
  • To work with the Lock Keeping person in charge to keep the lock mechanism well-greased.
  • Keep the spillways free from rubbish and clear of vegetation if safe to do so. If too much, then call Lock Keeper person in charge.
  • Assist the lock technical team in keeping the gates free from vegetation
  • Try and identify any irresponsible dog owners identify any dog mess with yellow biodegradable paint spray
  • Assist the lock technical team in keeping the grass kept short and tidy
  • Keep signboards clean and report any damage
  • As resources permit, plant flowers and shrubs to beautify each lock
  • Assist the lock technical team in any other task pertaining to each lock

Because of the actions of SVCC’s fully manned lock keeping team, there is now a friendly rivalry between locks as to whose lock is the prettiest, and the appearance of the locks has improved hugely. A great success.