Waterways charity fishing for a new face on the river

Volunteers are needed to help look after one of the largest and most important locks on the River Trent.

The Canal and River Trust have launched an appeal for new lock keepers in the East Midlands, and says people are needed at Cromwell lock, north of Newark.

The charity is on the lookout for people interested in volunteering at a number of other tidal locks across the region.

As one of the most iconic roles on the waterways, lock keepers help passing boaters, welcome visitors and help keep sites neat and tidy.

The charity cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales. The volunteers would be working at West Stockwith, Torksey and Cromwell on the River Trent as well as at Boston Grand Sluice on the River Witham.

Video: Notts TV covered the charity’s last appeal in 2015.

Wayne Ball, a volunteer development coordinator for the charity, says the lock keepers are the face of the river.

He said: “They are safely seeing boats through the locks, as well as helping people with directions or information about the area.

“It’s a great role for anyone keen to work outdoors and meet new people. You’ll learn new skills and provide important local knowledge for the thousands of visitors to the river each year.”

Tidal locks are slightly different to other locks in the region as they need a lock keeper on duty all through the year. Due to their size, the locks are automated with lock keepers operating them by the push of a button.

Edd Moss, national volunteering manager said: “As a new charity we were heartened by the amazing support we received for this role last year.

“Working outdoors and staying fit have been a key incentive for people, as has a sense of pride in knowing they’re helping protect our 250 year old working heritage.

“It’s extremely important to us that we offer volunteers something appealing where they feel like they’re making a difference, which this role certainly does.”

Applications for the role are open now. Full training is provided and the job is open to people of all ages (over 18).