Purpose

Netham Lock is used to provide vessel access to the feeder canal and to control the flow of water into the harbour. A recent dive inspection revealed:
• Upstream Gates: the need for defective sealing timbers to be replaced to restore the sealing face to its original integrity and for the south gate to be reseated as it has lifted out of the pintle socket.
•Downstream gates: The area around lower lock gates is scoured, to remove the mud affecting gates operation.
Netham lock is critical both to managing the flow of water into the floating harbour and allowing access to vessels wishing to enter the harbour from the East.
On 17 March 2026, the Harbours Committee unanimously voted in favour to approve the request to spend £600,000 to repair and reset the gates at Netham Lock.
A procurement process has been undertaken through the Highways Asset Management and Civils Framework 2025-2029, Lot 8: Structural and Steel Maintenance, Repairs and Reconstruction Works to Bridges and Highway Retaining Wall Structures (contracts valued over £500,000, excluding VAT). It is proposed that Walters U.K. Limited be appointed under NEC Option E.

Decision

Approval to award a contract to Walters U.K Limited to repair and reset the gates at Netham Lock.

Alternative options considered

As doing nothing would have an adverse impact on both operations, the use of Netham Lock remains the only practical solution and no alternative options are available for consideration.