Matt Black -- Chinese Gates

AV announced that in the future all lock gates are to be made in China. So a 200 year old traditional industry will, like the rest of industry in this country, be no more.

A representative of the Shanghai Timber Co a Mr Lee Kin-Loc said it was a great honour to make the gates for the British canal system, He went on to say he thought the balance beams looked a little plain and may offer to embellish them with some traditional Chinese decoration at no extra cost ( in red & gold? .... Ed). AV refused to comment on the last statement.