A wide-beam canal boat is back on the water today following repairs after the Twerton gate incident last year in Bath.

The Environment Agency responded to the incident last September that saw the lock gates malfunction, and water levels drop, resulting in a number of boats being damaged.

The Environment Agency have been working with boat owners and have remained fully committed to the process to financially recompense all those who were affected. In a few cases where the damage was severe settlements were agreed with the boaters to replace their boat. Payments were also made to boaters to recompense them for the distress and disruption they suffered as a result of the gate failure.

Dave Hobbs’ boat, Sophia, was one of the boats that was damaged, but after extensive repair works by Bradford Wharf Services, the vessel is now back in the water in Bath. The unique wide-beam canal boat suffered damage to her hull and needed major structural repairs to restore her to a safe condition. The repairs also gave an opportunity for further work to be completed that had previously not been possible.

Dave Hobbs said: “The incident at Twerton caused genuine grief and disruption to a community of boaters who rely on assets like the Environment Agency’s gate to work properly and not put them at risk. When the gate failed my boat was seriously damaged, but the Environment Agency has worked hard to help me get my wonderful boat repaired and back in the water again.”

Ian Withers, of the Environment Agency said: “I have been in close contact with Dave since the incident last year and I am so pleased to see Sophia back in the water. This is a good conclusion to an incident that caused so much distress and disruption to the local boating community.”

A thorough review of the incident is currently underway and will help influence a project with partners to refurbish the gates.