BRITISH Waterways is hoping to gloss over a Middlewich mystery by re-painting Wardle Lock in its traditional grey and white.

But, despite extensive research, staff have not been able to discover why the painting scheme of the lock balance beams was ever changed from grey to black.

Neville Preece, British Waterways supervisor, said: "We don't know why or when it was painted black.

"Certainly between the end of the First World War and the mid 1960's the beams were painted grey and white.

"Some engineers were opposed to black as it absorbed the heat and reduced the life span of the timber.

"The most popular paint was white lead, so grey would have been an obvious choice because it required only the addition of a small amount of black.

"There is a story that the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company bought large quantities of ex-admiralty battleship grey paint in 1918."

British Waterways is planning to re-introduce the grey and white colour scheme throughout the Shropshire Union network and has applied to Congleton Borough Council for planning permission at Wardle Lock.

The idea was prompted by Middlewich's Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme which will see around £1.25 million pumped into the town.

"The re-painting will help fulfil our commitment to conserving and improving the heritage and unique historic identification of the area," added Mr Preece.

IF anyone thinks they can solve the mystery and knows the reasons behind the black paint contact reporter Stuart Dye on 01606 43333.