AN historic lock opened its gates for the first time in decades following a painstaking restoration project.

Teams of volunteers from across the country spent their summer holidays dredging the 155-year-old Barge Lock, which links the Junction Canal with the Barge Canal, Droitwich.

The volunteers, from the Waterway Recovery Group, also repointed and repaired the brickwork, and installed new ladders and bollards so that it could become a working lock once again. British Waterways installed new lock gates.

The Waterways Trust chief executive Roger Hanbury said: “Restoration of the lock is fundamental to the plans to re-open the Droitwich canals.

“We are extremely grateful to the Waterway Recovery Group for all their hard work and to the waterways enthusiasts from across the UK who have given their support to the appeal – both in time and money.” The restoration of the Droitwich canals will see the creation of a 21-mile linear park and canal loop which will help establish wildlife habitats and preserve 40 heritage structures.

Once complete it is estimated that it will bring in £2.75 million every year to the local economy.

For more information or to lend your support to the canal restoration appeal call 01452 318098 or visit thewaterwaystrust.org.uk