Brewhurst Lock on July 6, 2006. With gates removed and a start made on lowering the walls. The walls have to be lowered by approx 1.4 metres at the head of the lock. The tail of the lock will remain at its present height, thus enabling the existing gates to be used. (Photo: Richard Crook)

The spoil removed from behind the offside chamber wall to reveal the original stone buttresses. (Photo: Richard Crook)

Picture taken on July 10, 2006 looking west towards the Onslow. By using a pneumatic drill on the excavator arm, the walls have been lowered in a very short time. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

By July 12, the chamber walls had been lowered to just below their final height. The top cill had been removed in preparation for its re-construction at the reduced height. The apertures visible on each side are the upper paddle culverts. A bund or dam has been placed across the lock chamber to allow construction work to take place in a pumped out section. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

By July 19, 2006, scaffolding had been erected in the lock chamber. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

Copings will be cast on the tops of the chamber walls. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

Retaining walls have been built around the tail of the lock which remains at the original height. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

The head end of Brewhurst lock on July 27, 2006. In addition to the lowering of the upper cill, the lock is being lengthened to the more standard 72 feet. In this picture the extended invert has been cast. (Photo: Richard Emsley)

The head end of Brewhurst lock on August 3, 2006. (Photo: Richard Crook)

The tail of Brewhurst lock on Aug 3, 2006. Steps will be cast on the slopes up to the higher original level. (Photo: Richard Crook)