Whitehaven Sea Lock Drained Down for Maintenance

Whitehaven Harbour – Sea Lock Update

The Whitehaven Harbour Sea Lock is currently closed for a programme of planned maintenance work, which is being undertaken by a specialist team of contractors and the local marina staff.  This programme has involved the complete drain down of the lock barrel to provide access to the lock gate structures for cleaning, inspection and the carrying out of the all important maintenance works.

On this occasion, the detailed inspections identified a need for an increased level of maintenance and as a matter of good practice, a decision has been taken to complete all the works before re-opening the lock. Unfortunately, despite every effort to maintain the original lock shut down programme, this has not proved possible and so Whitehaven Marina Ltd and the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners have taken the decision to postpone the re-opening of the lock until the evening of Tuesday 9th February, to enable the full scope of works to be completed.

Mark Bowden, Whitehaven Marina Operations Director commented:

“We planned this maintenance programme in some detail, but it was only once lock was completely drained down and the gates exposed, that we could assess the full extent of the works required.

We regret any inconvenience caused by extending the lock shut down period for an additional 3 days, but I’m sure all boat owners and operators, as well as the people of Whitehaven will understand the importance of regular and thorough planned maintenance of the lock structure.  The lock forms an integral part of the town’s flood defence systems, as well as being the gateway to the marina and inner harbour and consequently the ongoing maintenance of the structure is of paramount importance.”

The Whitehaven Harbour Sea Lock will re-open during the evening of Tuesday 9th February 2010.