A lock on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath remains closed after a boat fire caused significant damage to the gates.
The fire damage at Kelston Lock
Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews from Bath, Hicks Gate and Bedminster stations extinguished the fire at Kelston Lock near The Shallows at Saltford on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August.
The cause is thought to have been accidental, and no one was injured.
The boat was removed by contractors last Friday, 5th September, and further assessment of the damage caused to the lock and gates is due to take place this week.
Signs on the charred structure advise people that the lock is unsafe and they should not attempt to use it.
Signs are up warning boaters not to use Kelston Lock
There are 105 locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bristol to the River Thames, including six on the navigable section of the River Avon from Bristol to Bath. Kelston is Lock 5.
This week, the Canal & River Trust told the Echo: “A recent boat fire at Kelston Lock has caused significant fire damage to the bottom lock gates. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
“The vessel has now been removed, and our engineers are assessing the damage to the lock and gates.
“We apologise to boaters for the inconvenience, but we must ensure the lock is safe to operate before it can reopen.”
The trust expects to give a further update this week.
