TUGS on the Thames are experiencing a long-awaited revival, thanks to the 2012 Olympics.

While some shops on land face closure due to the tough economic climate, tugs are facing a brighter future after 40 years of hardship.

For decades, work for river craft has been on the decline, according to Gravesend tug master and local borough councillor, Mick Wenban.

But this changed following the opening of the £19 million Prescott Lock at a key point on the 5.5km network of waterways – the Bow Back Rivers – which criss-cross the Lower Lea Valley, just south of the Olympic Park.

Larger craft can now get to the Olympic site at Stratford thanks to the new lock, reviving water transport in the area for the first time in decades.

Cllr Wenban said: “Over the years business on the river died a death as wharfs were shut down and houses were built on them. Now the lock has opened there has been a big increase in cargo being transported on the river.

“It is more environmentally friendly than taking it through London by road. There has also been an increase in clipper cruisers taking people to and from the O2 arena.”

Two major contracts awarded by the Olympic Delivery Authority are generating significant barge traffic via the Thames and inland water ways to Stratford.

Aggregate Industries has been awarded a contract to supply ready mixed concrete needed for the construction of the Olympic Park, with subsidiary Gravesend-based barge and tug operator A C Bennett playing a key role.

Veolia Environmental Services also has a contract to take waste and demolition materials away from the site, which will provide back haul loads for A C Bennett’s barges.

Cllr Wenban added: “There are lots of independent tugs which are also benefiting. At long last work has started to flow back on to the river thus relieving our over congested roads.”