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Locking on to success
A WATERWAYS restoration specialist is to craft new gates for a Grade II listed lock on Cambridge's famous River Cam.
Hargreaves Lock Gates, formed by Halifax-based Hargreaves Foundry when it took over the running of the Rochdale Canal workshop, won the contract to work on the Jesus Green lock.
It forms a major gateway to the river's middle section, known as College Backs, renowned as a "punting paradise."
Hargreaves' lock gate experts will replace all four of Jesus Green lock's leaky wooden gates with exact replicas, made from "green" European oak.
The existing oak gates, which also feature cast-iron balance beams, were built in 1981.
But having weathered before their time, the lock, which dates back to around 1836, now has serious leaks.
The team from Hargreaves has been working alongside Cam Conservancy staff to drain down the lock before carefully removing the gates, which will be transferred to Hargreaves' workshops in Halifax.
There they will be measured and reproduced and the ironwork repaired.
Work is expected to take around five weeks to complete and the new gates are due to be installed on July 28.
The lock is due to be re-opened on July 31.
Cam Conservators river manager Philippa Noon said: "Conservators agreed to allocate money for this project in 2008 as part of their five-year business plan.
"Hargreaves were chosen because they had 'the right vibe', were highly competitive and most willing to listen to our specific site requirements. They also came with a personal recommendation."
Reducing the leaks will improve water retention along the College Backs, which are closed to motorised motor vessels from April to September to protect the use of punts, canoes and dinghies.
Hargreaves Lock Gates also manufactures and installs a range of wood and wood-steel composite foot and bridle bridges, using sustainable timber.
Hargreaves supply castings not only to canals but also to the engineering and construction industries.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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