Boaters are no longer stranded

Boat owners affected by Kennet and Canal canal lock closures over the past few weeks are relieved to be moving again

BOATERS using the Kennet and Avon canal are finally allowed to move on after the locks were eventually unlocked yesterday (Tuesday) after several weeks of closure.

All of the locks between Crofton Lock 61 near Wilton, Wiltshire, and Copse Lock 80 between Kintbury and Newbury, had been padlocked since November 17 after a water shortage.

More than 90 boats were stranded within the ten mile stretch and several of those who were locked in along the canal at Kintbury Lock praised villagers for being so welcoming.

Boat owner Chris Reid said: "Kintbury is a great place to be in this situation."

Another boater who was also locked in at Kintbury Lock, Phillip Swinburne, said: "The village has been fantastic and the people have helped us out.

"Overall I don't know why some people are moaning."

Neighbouring boater, Christine Britnell, said it had not been bad for her because her children attended Kintbury School and she ran the local toddler group.

In Great Bedwyn, boater Steve White said he had a permanent mooring at one side of Church Lock but managed to get a space on the other side of the lock so that he could fill up with water and empty his toilet.

He said his main complaint was that British Waterways had not informed him of what was happening. He returned to his boat one day to find the lock had been padlocked, so had to get British Waterways to open it up for him so he could get onto the side of the lock with the amenities.

He said: "I would rather be at my mooring; it's a bit noisier on this side of the lock.

"It was a bit annoyed on the day that they padlocked the locks."

Boater, David Hartland, made sure he got a spot at Great Bedwyn as there were amenities there.

He said today that he was eager to get moving again.

"One of the advantages has been that I've gotten to know people and you learn bits from people,” he said, adding: "You help people out and they help you; it's like a community here now."

Repairs to Beech Grove lock and Hungerford Marsh Lock are due to commence on Monday (January 9).