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Water is released at Castle Mills Lock, in York

AS the song goes: "When the weather is fine you know it's the time, For messin' about on the river".

That is just what boaters will be able to do with the opening of the Castle Mills lock, on the River Foss, on May 1.

The lock will be opened for free for the first time by members of the local section of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), which covers the Ouse and Ure corridor, for the 2008 summer season.

It is hoped the opening will attract more boat users on to the river and then into York.

Tony Martin, chairman of the local section, said it was hoped more people would be encouraged to use the River Foss.

He said: "They can't stay up there overnight, but they can go as far as Rowntrees Wharf."

The opening will mean that boaters can travel from the Ouse on to the Foss and sail up it for the one-and-a-half miles for which it is navigable.

The lock itself is 112ft long by 20 ft wide.

Mr Martin said that although there will be no charge for anyone wanting to sail through the lock, the IWA will need a minimum of two days' notice and anyone taking a boat through must have the necessary insurance documentation.

He also warned people to be aware of weather forecasts.

He said: "Water levels are crucial, so that more than one craft would be preferred.

"The River Ouse is also prone to flooding, so check the weather forecasts and flood warnings."

The source of the Foss is near Newburgh Hall, around four miles north of Easingwold, and flows for 12-and-a-half miles before it merges with the Ouse.

In the early 19th century part of the river was turned into a canal as far as Sheriff Hutton and the then York Evening Press once used to receive its printing paper by barge.

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5:33pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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