A CANAL lock beam in Worcester has been found vandalised.

The Bilford Top Lock number eight gate was found damaged this morning (Tuesday, March 31).

A spokesman from the Canal and River Trust: “It’s such a shame that someone has decided to damage one of our canal lock beams at a time when people are being urged to work together to keep everyone safe. We have a reduced number of operational staff working and they will be out later today to repair the lock beam.

“Whilst our towpaths remain open, use of them should now be limited. If our canals and rivers are local to you, and you use the towpath for your daily exercise or journey to undertake essential work, please now avoid any stretches with boats moored against the towpath, and strictly observe social distancing at all times, following the latest advice from Government.”

It appeared the lock beam had been suffering from rot but vandals have damaged it further by breaking it apart.