Prescott Lock opens

The new Prescott Lock, which gives barges of up to 350 tons direct access via the Thames and Bow Back Rivers to the UKs London Olympics site at Stratford, has opened.

The project is seen as key to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s “sustainable” aspirations, allowing transport of demolition waste from the site and delivery of building and other materials by water.

Port of Tilbury managing director Perry Glading said contractors must now be persuaded to use waterborne transport as a practical and cost-effective alternative to trucks, and not just “to pay lip service” to the idea.