Other work done on site was removal of parts of the old lock gates. This was to allow access to
the back of the East by-wash wall, where the rest of the soil could be laid out.
Now that the walls have been completed, our attention is currently focused on the lock cottage.
At present the site is being excavated to reveal its layout. Later it is hoped to partially
rebuild the walls. Anyone interested in helping with this project should contact Colin Greenall
on telephone number 01744 731746.
This project was funded by Mersey Basin Campaign’s Waterside Revival Scheme and supported by the
B.T. community programme. We have just received a cheque for £755.00 plus a wooden plaque to be
mounted somewhere suitable on site if possible.
N.B. We have also now received the donation of the name stone from the Hulme Lock cottage. It is
intended that the name stone will be built into the North-West corner of the lock wall at a
later date. Many thanks to Mr. Eaves of Winwick Road, Warrington for his kind gesture. This has
naturally further fuelled our interest in what was the last surviving lock cottage on the
Sankey (it was only demolished in the 1970’s). If anyone has any information, or photographs,
associated with this building, we would be very interested in hearing from you - contact Colin
as above.
The new year began with SCARS volunteers taking part in this Action Earth event; which was
funded by the Department of the Environment’s Environmental Action Group. SCARS and Warrington
Ranger Service used the £50 Grant to improve the appearance of Winwick dry dock and make its
workings more easy to appreciate. The work was extended over two weekends so that the project
could be completed.
The first weekend was bitterly cold and the ground was frozen. However, this did not stop our
hardy bunch of enthusiasts who made short work of the hard ground, aided by a plentiful supply
of tea and biscuits. Soon the sill was exposed, wooden poles inserted behind it, and half round
timbers nailed in place, to give the appearance of lock gates. Back filling then commenced.
Unfortunately it gets dark early in January; so the rest of the project was completed the
following weekend. This involved the completion of back filling, and the construction of a
second step or abutment. As can be seen in the photograph, it was a job well done and much
admired by passers by.