Fate

That can sometimes have an effect if the pound below is also low. But in this case the top chamber wasn't filled.

The cill fender was ripped off and the concrete damaged by a boat powering over it. The lock had not been operated correctly, and there was only 1/4 of the correct amount of water between the chambers. There are well posted instructions for this lock, which are largely ignored - as they were in this case.

Might be a bit late for this - but there's a pub at Radford Semele, if you're prepared to walk the mile or so. Its the red or white Lion I think. As for parking at the top of Bascote Locks, you can and it's relatively safe. But beware it's a hang out for kids and druggies. I've been broken into twice up there now. Bascote Wharf might be a bit better, and you can park in the lay-by or sometimes on the bridge, with enough passing traffic to deter thieves. Equally true of parking in the lay-by at Welsh road.