‘Sterling’ regeneration work completed at Keddington Lock

Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board (LMDB), under the umbrella of the Louth Navigation Regeneration Partnership, have provided resources and time to reinstate the path of Louth Canal and to raise the water level to feed the River Lud and onwards to Alvingham Mill.

A spokesman for the Louth Navigation Trust said: “The crumbling and dangerous lock remains had to be removed but the quoins and hinge stones were retained and reinstated on top of the rock weir. The banks have been strengthened and implanted with plastic grid to allow natural growth and prevent erosion.

“We are delighted with the outcome after a two year struggle since the breach. Even after LMDB volunteered to came to the rescue the project was plighted by floods elsewhere, narrow windows of availability due to birds nesting and fish spawning, not to mention Covid-19.

“In the end the work had to be done in high flow conditions with snow and ice.

“LMDB definitely deserve a big clap from the people of Louth who can now enjoy the tranquillity of a walk by the canal once again.

“Louth Navigation Trust wish to thank members of the community who donated, plus ELDC, IWA, AW, LCC , EA and Alvingham Mill, who all contributed along with LNT donating some of their own money.

“Councillor Pauline Watson worked very hard in the initial stages of this project, and Councillor Julia Simmons has worked hard with the community to help the project run smoothly.”

Councillor Simmons told the Leader: “I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of myself and other users of the towpath, to the Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board for all their sterling work at the former Keddington Lock. These (previous issues) have now been rectified.

“I, along with several others, have long campaigned for remedial work to be done.

“I know that some members and locals wished for a lock to be reinstated, however, as the canal is not navigable and the cost was very prohibitive, it was 
decided to build a weir. All of the users of the towpath whom I have spoken to agree that the work has been done most sympathetically, even utilising some of the old lock stonework. Much credit to all involved.”