'Huge amount' of silt keeps lock shut after summer

Dredging the docks cost a trust £2m the last time it happened in 2022

A "huge amount" of silt due to the summer dry weather means a canal lock will remain closed to protect a city's historic docks until November while they are dredged.

The Canal and River Trust said silt entered Gloucester Docks from the River Severn as it was being pumped to ensure a water supply for Bristol Water and keep boats afloat.

Gloucester Lock, which connects the river to Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, has been shut since August to protect the docks and limit further silt but it will stay shut for eight more weeks.

Ben Cottam, of the trust, said: "During this eight-week programme we'll be using a digger on a floating platform to remove the silt, which will then be taken off site."

The trust said the prolonged dry weather meant its water levels had been "very low and heavy with silt".

The trust, which maintains the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, said the water was pumped from the river to also ensure shipping at Sharpness Docks.

Mr Cottam, Wales and South West regional director at the trust, said similar works in 2022 after a dry summer meant it had spent £2m on removing the silt, which was an "incredibly expensive cost for us to bear".

He said: "With the need to keep the canal topped up with water from the river, to ensure it remains navigable, and supply water for Bristol Water and Sharpness Docks, some silt is unfortunately also being pumped in."

He said navigation of the canal and docks would stay open during the eight weeks, although there may be some mooring restrictions to allow dredging in certain locations.