The Work: Rebuilding the Basin Wall at the bottom of John Robinson Lock. A good and interesting mix of restoration of original walls and construction of new walls using more modern techniques.

The Reason: John Robinson lock is the start point of the “Missing Mile” project – a key part of the Cotswold Canals restoration. Cotswold Canals Trust have been awarded £6.8 million pounds to complete this “Missing Mile” (which includes taking the navigation under the M5). Considerable work has been put in by both WRG and the Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers on the Lock Chamber and its upper section. This summer we hope to complete the lower part of the lock and its associated basin so that it is ready for the new channel.  

The Restoration: Cotswold Canals Trust aims to reopen the route from the Thames at Inglesham to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal at Saul, with a phased approach. Phase 1a from Stonehouse to Brimscombe is largely complete; work is in hand on Phase 1b to re-connect this to the canal system at Saul. Phase 2 will restore the eastern end from Inglesham to the Cotswold Water Park, and significant restoration has taken place at key locations whenever funding has allowed. Finally, Phase 3 will tackle the difficult central section from the Water Park to Brimscombe.