On the 6th of June 2023, volunteers from the Shoosmiths National Estates Team, picked up their paint brushes at Minerva Wharf in Wolverhampton to assist the Canal and River Trust maintain the locks.
Lock painting enables the handmade lock gates to be protected and preserved against the elements meaning the lock gates last for longer. This means less Oak and wood needs to be felled to be made into lock gates. This is also great for the Trust’s Green Plan.
The Wolverhampton lock fight has been awarded the Green flag award, meaning it has been recognised and rewarded for its green space, accessibility, management meeting the needs of the community and recognising the works of managers, staff and volunteers like our own Shoosmiths staff.
Feedback on the day from the locals and boaters were very positive with the locks looking much improved, also they received high praise from Ellie Watson who was the co-ordinator from the Trust on the day. Ellie commented ‘A fantastic effort from the Shoosmiths team who spent a day out on the Wolverhampton 21 lock flight, they had a wonderful work ethic clearing and painting the lock beams on the lock gates. Not only does this keep in line with the Canal’s rich heritage but it also increases the life expectancy of the lock gates due to having further protection from the elements, resulting in less wood having to be used to make new lock gates. The lock painting also contributes to the Green Flag management plan that the Wolverhampton 21 lock flight has been awarded. Thank you to everyone involved, we hope you enjoyed your time outside in nature and exploring our blue and green spaces, learning more about the canal system.’
This was also in addition to the previous volunteering day by the Estates Team last year weeding and clearing the canal paths as well a virtual walking challenge completed of over 3.6million steps over a week between all Shoosmiths offices. The challenge undertaken in August and September 2022 raised an amazing £1,375 for the Trust.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped out.
Disclaimer
This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024.