MartynG

Perhaps there have been some improvements in recent times but at one time Nottingham was known as the gun and knife capital of the east midlands https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nottinghamshire-no-longer-east-midlands-4975332

I notice you are from Nottingham . Newark is very safe by comparison with Nottingham. I don't think think the Newark lot are dangerous . Averham Weir Pronounced 'Air-em'

Not just the material but the brand of impeller may be significant. Jabsco impellers are Nitrile I have been experimenting over a few years with cheaper CEF impellers which are also Nitrile The Jabsco impellers definitely last longer , up to twice as long. Cost wise over time there is not a lot in it but the more expensive Jabsco option is probably the way to go.

Waitrose shopping is not so expensive if you take advantage of offers . Also their own brand stuff is the same price as anywhere else . For those who believe Waitrose to be too posh there is Aldi and Morrisons and Asda in Newark. I use them all. Asda is good for wine. Morrisons is better for beer and whiskey - but best value from all requires advantage to be taken of offers . Marks and Spencer now open on Northgate which is a stroll down the main road past Aldi. From the floating pontoon at the Kiln its a short stroll to the road bridge and into town or turn the other way for the footbridge crossing to Aldi. The floating pontoon has water and a shore power outlet . At the South end of the pontoon there is, on shore , a bench which is a gathering spot for local low life so avoid that if you can. Otherwise the pontoon is fine. I have not known the low life to venture onto the pontoon. Upstream of Town lock is clear or work boats at the moment. Asda is the closest supermarket.

I can confirm . The scrap yard has gone.

It seems I am not understanding the dimensions of the plates

Have you calculated the weight of each plate and have you considered precisely how you will physically lift and fit and remove the plates . Not only that how and where will you store the plates when not fitted. Whats the plan for securing the doors ?

With regard to leisure use I agree. The same applies to journeys by sea. But for freight traffic a different matter . Use of the canals for freight was , after all, the originally intended purpose. Re-introduction of freight traffic might be good for the inland waterways .

Sounds like there will be a stampede of boats making their way up the River Trent ( and possibly also in the opposite direction) after Thorne opens. Be aware that the tidal locks at Torksey and Cromwell must be pre booked at least 48 hrs in advance. Cromwell is operating 8am to 4pm and the lock keepers are resistant to any request outside of those hours despite C&RT indicating core hours are 7am to 9pm in summer months.