THE problems encountered by Laurence Hughes (December 4), with the Oxford canal lift bridge (I presume it was actually no 233) have been experienced by many boaters during the last season, some also suffering (fortunately relatively minor) injuries.

I have personally advised many to report the problem with the bridge to Canal River Trust (CRT), and it appears that it has been ‘looked at’, but no attempt made to remedy the situation.

Historically, the lift bridges on the canal rarely caused more than nuisance or irritation, and all of us who used the waterway, albeit using an occasional mild expletive, never met with difficulty.

However, recent ill thought out ‘improvements’ to their operation have resulted in their becoming possibly the number one grouse voiced by canal users.

Today’s letters

The variable weight arrangement on the balance beams, intended to counteract the weight of the bridge deck, is fine in principle, but varying conditions dictate that the applied weight needs to be checked and adjusted frequently, especially during periods of changeable weather, when the bridge deck’s weight can vary widely. Obviously, with the limited staff resources available, CRT cannot do this. An additional problem arises from the decision to remove the lifting chains from the beam ends.

This makes it virtually impossible for a helper to assist the bridge’s opening from the offside of the canal, and all effort must be applied from the towpath side. This creates a further hazard, especially for boaters working single handedly when the bridge deck’s weight overcomes that of the counterbalance applied. The foregoing are observations, and I have no wish to detract from the hazard experienced by Mr Hughes operating this bridge.

The overall condition of the Oxford canal has now become very poor, and many first time visitors to Oxford by boat are of the opinion that it is the worst canal they have ever visited, especially the stretch from Duke’s Cut junction to the city. Unfortunately, it would appear that neither the City of Oxford nor CRT care very much.

A sad epitaph to something which contributed much to Oxford’s industrial prosperity and working past. ‘Use it or lose it.’

BARRY SLADE, Hawksmoor Road, Oxford

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