West Midlands waterways set for winter lock and infrastructure repairs
Lock replacement in West Midlands
The UK’s Canal & River Trust will carry out a major programme of repairs and maintenance across the West Midlands canal network.
The charity’s construction team will undertake essential repairs during the winter, including lock gate replacements, bridge repairs and work to reduce water loss. The projects form part of a wider investment programme across England and Wales to protect and preserve the nation’s historic canal network.
Drought puts pressure on canal network
Following an exceptionally dry summer which highlighted the growing pressure extreme weather places on the network and the investment needed to maintain it, the charity says maintaining reliable water supplies and resilient canal infrastructure remains a key priority.
The winter programme of canal repair works will address ageing assets, reduce water loss and ensure the network is better equipped to meet future challenges.
Across the West Midlands, projects include the replacement of top and bottom lock gates at Hatton Locks on the Grand Union Canal and Curdworth Locks on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. These renewals will support the continued safe and reliable operation of the locks for boaters.
On the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, the trust will repair a section of a centuries-old wall that forms the edge of the canal and supports the towpath, helping to protect both the waterway and surrounding infrastructure. Elsewhere, projects on the Coventry Canal and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal will reduce water seepage through canal banks and lock chambers, helping to conserve water and strengthen the long-term resilience of the network.
On the Stourbridge Canal, the trust will carry out repairs to lock infrastructure, helping to improve reliability on one of the Black Country’s best-loved waterways. Meanwhile, at River Lock in Stratford-upon-Avon, essential repairs will ensure the lock continues to operate safely and efficiently for boaters travelling to and from the historic market town.
Henriette Breukelaar, director of Midlands at Canal & River Trust, comments: “Our canals play an important role in communities across the West Midlands, providing spaces for recreation, supporting wildlife and connecting people with their local heritage. This winter, we’re delivering a significant programme of investment to strengthen the resilience of the network, improve water resilience and ensure our canals remain open and operational for the future.
“From replacing lock gates and repairing walls to reducing water seepage and improving water efficiency, these projects will help safeguard the canal network against the impacts of climate change while preserving it for future generations. While some temporary closures are necessary to carry out this work safely, undertaking major repairs during the quieter winter months helps minimise disruption for boaters and local communities.”
The winter works form part of Canal & River Trust’s ongoing investment in a historic waterway network that is more than 250 years old.
The Canal & River Trust’s Annual Report & Accounts 2025/26 is available online.
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