Tucked away next to the house is a beautifully preserved red
brick building which formally used to house the canal’s pump room for the lock.
It’s odd that the canal is still in use but the reservoir is no longer required
to top up the lock. Perhaps it’s because the tunnel is now complete. It’s got
beautiful decking and picnic benches in its grounds, and at one time I’m sure
there was a little café there that used to sell refreshments to passers-by.
Perhaps this was when it was owned by a company. It’s now sealed off to
everyone by becoming private housing. The only thing that remains to remind
people of its history is a formal plaque on the towpath. Making these buildings
into residences may make someone some money, but it also seals off the premises
for everyone else to enjoy. With a bit more entrepreneurial spirit, it might
have been possible to have made the whole
area into an attraction.
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