Site Navigation
Geography
Town Lock
The
Tilting Weir on the site of
Town Lock - Louth
The old Town Lock was the highest lock on the canal,
although Grundy had originally planned one higher,
about half a mile nearer the town centre. This idea
was abandoned in order to save money. The lock
itself was replaced by the tilting weir as part of
Louth's flood defences. The gates can be lowered in
order to raise water levels back to riverhead or can
be raised to let more water out.
In time this mechanism will have to be completely
replaced by a new lock
Grid Reference: TF 340 881
State of Lock: Non-existent
Renovation to Date: Replaced by Tilting Weir
Future Plans: New Lock
These
two images, left and below, taken in May 2006 show
the Tilting Weir from both
sides of the canal banks at Riverhead. The gates are
monitored by the Environment Agency from
Peterborough, and water levels are controlled
electronically. As a major part of Louth's flood
defence system, these defences will have to be built
in to the new lock.
On the far bank in this picture
is the site of the old lock keepers cottage, which
has only recently been demolished. The Trust is now
committed to preserving as much of the canal's
heritage as is possible and is seeking to work with
local landowners to preserve the remaining buildings.