Back at Old Ford Locks 19.

There are going to be volunteers working regularly at Old Ford Locks 19 (on the Lee Navigation.) Every Thursday for the next six weeks or so volunteers will be there as the Canal and River Trust are intent on transforming the site from somewhere best hurried past to a waterway 'destination.'

Much duck poop to blow off!

There's obviously a lot of cleaning up to do. The locks got some attention today: DB was using the pressure washer to remove pounds of duck poop from the island and grime from inside the stables.

A bit more light from the windows, before we rewire the lighting.

Other volunteers were working to strip out the old wiring from inside the stable. Volunteers will be adding new power and lighting cable in conduit (so as not to disturb the brickwork or woodwork inside) which will later be checked and connected up by a contracted electrician.

V and myself began work on repainting the white parts of the lock side. Unfortunately we had no masking tape or chalk line to ensure very sharp lines, but we can clear that up next week.

V - painting lockside.

RE had been planning to do a clear-up at Limehouse, but decided instead to bring the London Canal Volunteer boat up to Old Ford and help clear some of the trash from the water. I helped him move seven bags full from the boat to the hoppers above the lock.

RE - cleaning up below the locks.

On the lock off-side, work went on to clean up where the E20 Fishing Club storage container used to be. This was removed yesterday by the construction firm building flats next to the site, but the previously-resident artist had still a few things that had been left in there to move out. He ferried these by reclaimed pedalo to his friend's boat.

This is where the E20 Fishing Club's container used to rest.

DB's a volunteer qualified to operate a steam pressure washer, which is a very efficient (and environmentally sound) way to remove grime and graffiti from hard surfaces. He's waging a bit of an un-winnable battle versus the graffiti, but some advances have come. After he cleared the brickwork, RS and I applied a layer of anti-graffiti wax. It doesn't stop further vandalism, but it makes it far easier to remove as the pressure washer will dissolve the wax and take the paint off with it.

DB - preparing the control cabin brickwork for anti-graffiti wax.

DB - cleaning up the lock island tail.

At lunchtime I went to the Cantina at Swan Wharf for a Cheek Cheesburger and diet coke. Very nice, I'll probably go back again!

4 hours.