Restoration Round-up

Hulme Lock

During March and April, more clearance work took place on the cottage site. The back door into the basement was located and cleared to floor level revealing a brick paved base. As the area of clearance widened, a pathway running along the rear wall of the cottage was revealed.

The next phase of our work here will be to clear all the infill from behind the rear wall. An assessment will then be made with a view to partial rebuilding of the cottage walls etc. Grant aid has been applied for to help cover the cost of material towards this project.

Repaint of Relief Swing Bridge at Sankey Bridges

With paint donated by Warrington Borough Council and Dulux, work commenced on the Saturday afternoon of 17th May. Wire-brushing to remove loose paint and rust was followed by paint brush and paint. Approximately half of the deck of the bridge was painted with the hope of completing the rest the next day. Unfortunately, this was not to be as Sunday dawned wet. With more rain promised, work had to be postponed to a later date.

Sunday June 1st dawned bright and sunny. Once again the SCARS volunteers descended on the swing bridge. The bridge was first swung back to the open position to provide easier access for painting the sides. This was achieved with the help of a Land Rover and tow rope at one end; and brute force from SCARS volunteers at the other.Work commenced and the rest of the deck together with the rails and outer structure were painted. Finally, to prevent the bridge from being swung beyond the point of no return as before, it was closed to its proper position and wooden wedges driven in. Further movement should be prevented.

For more information on future work please contact Colin Greenall on 01744 731746.

Colin Greenall

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