Denham Deep GU

[StationMaster 35]

Stoppage notice here https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/16639-denham-deep-lock-87

 

Anyone more experienced than me wish to take a guess that this will/will not be sorted by next weekend? I think so even on a temp basis to allow some sort of restrictive passage, but would be useful to have other opinions. Thanks.

[David Schweizer 739]

The stoppage is likely to last quite a few days, as it will involve putting stop planks in below the lock and draining it completely. What I found intriguing was the sentence " We kindly advise customers to seek an alternative route or avoid the stated Lock whilst repair works are ongoing." What "alternartive" do they suggest? The only one I can think of is via the Thames and Oxford Canal which would take at least a couple of weeks or more. It suggests that the person issuing the notice is totally unaware of where Denham Deep is located.

[StationMaster 35]

Just now, David Schweizer said:

The stoppage is likely to last quite a few days, as it will involve putting stop planks in below the lock and draining it completely. What I found intriguing was the sentence " We kindly advise customers to seek an alternative route or avoid the stated Lock whilst repair works are ongoing." What "alternartive" do they suggest? The only one I can think of is via the Thames and Oxford Canal which would take at least a couple of weeks or more. It suggests that the person issuing the notice is totally unaware of where Denham Deep is located.

A lot longer than a couple of weeks due to winter stoppages, however for weekenders it is possible just to head away from the lock. I might hang around Watford for a bit until further info comes forth, as crane out will be better than an (unlikely?) protracted delay.

[PaulJ 81]

3 minutes ago, David Schweizer said:

The only one I can think of is via the Thames and Oxford Canal which would take at least a couple of weeks or more. It suggests that the person issuing the notice is totally unaware of where Denham Deep is located.

Problem with that is Oxford Canal aside, much of Thames is on Reds anyhow and even if it wasnt there are lock closures which prevent you doing this anyhow.

Brentford and GU was my alternative route.

[David Schweizer 739]

Just now, StationMaster said:

A lot longer than a couple of weeks due to winter stoppages, however for weekenders it is possible just to head away from the lock. I might hang around Watford for a bit until further info comes forth, as crane out will be better than an (unlikely?) protracted delay.

Your reply has reminded me that there is no road acess to Denham Deep, so they could have logistics problems moving a crane in to lift the gate, unless they resort to more traditional maintenance procedures, when they used A frames over the lock, a Block and Tackle, and alot of men pulling ropes!!

[ditchcrawler 1145]

10 minutes ago, David Schweizer said:

Your reply has reminded me that there is no road acess to Denham Deep, so they could have logistics problems moving a crane in to lift the gate, unless they resort to more traditional maintenance procedures, when they used A frames over the lock, a Block and Tackle, and alot of men pulling ropes!!

Like they did at Lawton lock on the T&M

[StationMaster 35]

Have to admit a very rough estimation of timescale of closure would be useful from CRT rather than just 'ongoing'

Just now, ditchcrawler said:

Like they did at Lawton lock on the T&M

How long did that take!?

[PaulJ 81]

2 minutes ago, StationMaster said:

Have to admit a very rough estimation of timescale of closure would be useful from CRT rather than just 'ongoing'

Was told this on facebook if it helps-

I'm sitting it out in Rickie; spoke to crt yesterday who said that a bottom panel had become detatched and it needed a dive team to rescue and reattach.  So I'm not planning to reach the fleshpots of Uxbridge before next weekend.... (that's my optimistic view)

[StationMaster 35]

5 minutes ago, PaulJ said:

Was told this on facebook if it helps-

I'm sitting it out in Rickie; spoke to crt yesterday who said that a bottom panel had become detatched and it needed a dive team to rescue and reattach.  So I'm not planning to reach the fleshpots of Uxbridge before next weekend.... (that's my optimistic view)

Thought it was caused by the offside gate collar. ?

 

I'll await better info!

[PaulJ 81]

2 minutes ago, StationMaster said:

Thought it was caused by the offside gate collar. ?

 

I'll await better info!

Me too..😀

[magnetman 268]

I wonder if that gate is as rotten as the opposite one where the balance beam fell off recently. 

[BWM 246]

1 hour ago, David Schweizer said:

Your reply has reminded me that there is no road acess to Denham Deep, so they could have logistics problems moving a crane in to lift the gate, unless they resort to more traditional maintenance procedures, when they used A frames over the lock, a Block and Tackle, and alot of men pulling ropes!!

You can't have seen the many vehicles parked beside the lock cottage, along with other junk!

[mark99 1436]

Historic moored there. Kings something?

[magnetman 268]

 Baron ? FM&C motor. Ex steamer now diesel. 

Edited November 23 by magnetman

[StationMaster 35]

I had a small bit of work done by the guy who 'runs' the tea house workshops earlier this year (needed a vice and larger set of mole grips + heat if necessary), whilst the place might look a bit of a mess it is good to find someone who a, knows what they are doing and b, does not charge the earth for a five minute job. Yes you can get vehicles to the lock but doubt a crane with CRT safety assessments.

[BWM 246]

33 minutes ago, mark99 said:

Historic moored there. Kings something?

Kingsdowne i believe, been a long time since this boat or Baron has been moored at Denham. 

[David Schweizer 739]

3 hours ago, BWM said:

You can't have seen the many vehicles parked beside the lock cottage, along with other junk!

I must admit I haven't been down there for quite a few years, and whilst the path from the A40 is probably wide enough for cars, I doubt that it could accomodate a crane lorry, and even les allow sufficient space for it to turn round.

[magnetman 268]

There was a Hanson gravel contract a few years ago which helped with access to the lock but that has been closed down now. 

As mentioned a contract crane with associated H&S seems unlikely to get in there. 

 

If it's gates off then I think they might need to use more traditional methods. Whether this is feasible is obviously a question in terms of skills and equipment. 

 

At some point those gates do need doing. Bodging is okay for a while but they are going to need replacing. 

 

 

 

 

[eid 65]

CRT man is there now, doing a lot of measuring.

[StationMaster 35]

Hopefully he knows what he is measuring. Even I can measure things...

[PaulJ 81]

Latest update from CRT

 

Update on 28/11/2019:

 

Update:

The offside bottom timber heel post has a vertical split and is currently unsafe to operate; therefore, the navigation will remain closed for the time being. 

We are currently reviewing a short term solution to see if we can assist travel for narrowboats through the lock. 

[eid 65]

11 minutes ago, PaulJ said:

Latest update from CRT

 

Update on 28/11/2019:

 

Update:

The offside bottom timber heel post has a vertical split and is currently unsafe to operate; therefore, the navigation will remain closed for the time being. 

We are currently reviewing a short term solution to see if we can assist travel for narrowboats through the lock. 

 

Hmm, if only boats could go through the other gate 🤔

[StationMaster 35]

11 minutes ago, PaulJ said:

Latest update from CRT

 

Update on 28/11/2019:

 

Update:

The offside bottom timber heel post has a vertical split and is currently unsafe to operate; therefore, the navigation will remain closed for the time being. 

We are currently reviewing a short term solution to see if we can assist travel for narrowboats through the lock. 

Thanks for the update - had given up on looking at the stoppage notice until Monday

[StationMaster 35]

1 minute ago, eid said:

 

Hmm, if only boats could go through the other gate 🤔

Unless the gate is in such a state that even a gentle nudge on it could cause a more serious problem... If so why the heck wasn't this identified earlier in the year during work to the other gate! Grrrr...

[PaulJ 81]

Just now, StationMaster said:

Thanks for the update - had given up on looking at the stoppage notice until Monday

Your welcome- Im feeling optimistic 😀