SEE Stourbridge Canal from a very different viewpoint this weekend, as members of the public are invited to a special open day.

Between 10am and 4pm on March 12, visitors can step down into history and walk down the drained canal while essential maintenance works take place at Lock 3.

During the open day, people will be able to speak to the Canal and River Trusts’ construction team about the skills needed to replace the three lock gates which were last replaced in 1990.

Guided history walks from the charity’s heritage team will also be available from the lock to the Red House Glass Cone, visitors will also be able to find out how they can get involved with the charity as a volunteer, while refreshments will available to visitors in the Samson and Lion pub in Brierley Hill Road.

Bashir Ahmed, of the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open up the lock for the community to come along and see just how much work goes into keeping their waterways flowing.

“Replacing and repairing these gates is part of the essential maintenance needed to enable the local canal network to be used and enjoyed by thousands of boaters, cyclists, anglers and walkers every year.

“It’s not just our skilled team who care for our 312 miles of canal in the West Midlands – we’re looking for volunteers to help us so we’ll be telling visitors all about the opportunities available at the Canal & River Trust.”

At Lock 3, both bottom end gates and the top end single gate are currently being replaced, with the project due to end on Friday, March 17.

The three gates, which cost a total of £23,000, arrived on site by boat where they were lifted into place by a crane. The lock chamber has also been drained of water to allow the team to fix any damaged bricks and stones in and around the lock.

In total, eight gates along Stourbridge Canal are being changed at locks two, three, six and 13 as well as brickwork being inspected and repaired.

Sturdy footwear is recommended for walking in the drained lock chamber. For more information about the event visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/open-days