LOCKS along Huddersfield Narrow Canal will be improved to prevent boats sinking.
British Waterways wants to carry out the work to make the canal safer after an increase in flooding incidents.
David Baldacchino, waterway manager for Manchester and the Pennine Region, said yesterday: “Safety is our top priority so we’re looking at putting in some additional fendering, or protection, to the back of the lock gates.
“This will help prevent boats getting caught on the gates as the lock fills with water which will help prevent the risk of sinking.”
British Waterways has asked Kirklees Council for planning permission to carry out the safety work at 12 locks between Huddersfield town centre and Marsden.
In a report to the council, British Waterways explains why the work – which will cost £25,000 – is needed.
It says: “There has been a substantial increase in the number of incidents where vessels are getting caught up on the horizontal sections of lock gates as the lock is filled with water.
“These have resulted in the vessel being partially or completely flooded. “
The company has also asked the council for permission to add planks to lock gates to reduce leakage.
Mr Baldacchino said: “Lock gates are constructed in oak timber and have a 25 to 30-year life before a replacement is needed.
“New gates can cost around £30,000 and so, to prolong the life of the gates and reduce leakage – which can be a common problem on this canal – we want to insert marine ply sub-frames to the gates.
“This is a temporary alteration to the design until the gates need to be replaced.”
British Waterways has applied for planning permission to carry out the work at 12 locks:
Lock 1 at the University of Huddersfield
Lock 4 at Longroyd Bridge
Lock 5 at Paddock
Locks 8 and 10 at Milnsbridge
Locks 23, 26, 28, 31 and 33 at Slaithwaite
Locks 36 and 42 at Marsden
Mr Baldacchino thinks disruption will be minimal. He said: “At this stage it is envisaged that a closure of the canal for a few hours at each location will be required.”
He added that British Waterways was working hard to make sure the canal is safe.
“My staff work hard to ensure that the canals stay open, accessible and in good working order.
“The waterways have experienced an amazing renaissance in recent years and are now used by more people than ever so it’s vitally important we preserve them for the future.”
British Waterways submitted planning applications on June 2 for the work.
The canal, which has 42 locks, runs for 20 miles from Huddersfield, through Standedge Tunnel into Lancashire.
