38 C O N T E X T 1 1 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9 confirmed that it wished to complete the immediate repair works to the structure, it could be included in the legal element of the management agreement and become a signatory to it. The trust would commit to undertake the shorter-term remedial works, and ensure the management of vegetation on the monument for the five-year period of the agreement. This introduced a degree of formality into the relationship, placing commitments on all sides to maintain and protect the structure. The legal agreement was amended to incorporate the commitments that the trust has agreed to take forward. During the preparation of the formal documents a parallel process was being developed by the trust in association with British Waterways. This aimed to deliver the identified short-term remedial works to the structure, and secure its long-term protection. The delivery of this process was assisted by a grant from Cumbria County Council Archaeology Service. This was put towards the cost of securing the assistance of a trainer from the Dry StoneWalling Association. The initial phase of the remedial works was undertaken during September 2008. It was limited to initial clearance of vegetation from the structure, in preparation for the physical works to be undertaken in accordance with the specification held within the first annexe to the agreement. These works were undertaken by trust members, with British Waterways trained staff undertaking works requiring chain saws and other mechanical means. Once the vegetation was removed, a more detailed assessment of the required repair works was carried out. These were essentially in accordance with the scope previously prepared. Phase 2 of the works was undertaken in October 2008 by trust volunteers working with the voluntary Waterway Recovery Group. Some on-site assistance and guidance was provided by British Waterways. The volunteers repaired collapsed areas of walling using traditional methods and materials. Towards the completion of the volunteer works to the western accommodation bridge, it was discovered that the coping stones were too large to be installed using manual labour. British Waterways agreed to undertake these works using a contractor to carry out the lifting. A British Waterways mason completed the dressing and bedding of the coping stones. The delivery of these works at Hincaster horse path has created opportunities for British Waterways to look at innovative ways to manage its heritage estate through working with third parties and volunteers. At a time when British Waterways budgets are becoming stretched, such methods to deliver remedial works to heritage structures could prove invaluable.The success of the project has led to British Waterways looking for further opportunities to work with volunteer organisations to carry out repairs to its historic estate, and to build closer relationships with local communities through which canals pass. Left:The area to the west of the accommodation bridge before vegetation clearance Right: Repairs under way Left:The area to the west of the accommodation bridge after the completion of phase 1 Right: Completed parapet repairs Andrew Tegg is heritage adviser, British Waterways, north west.
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