there were initial problems with the water supply to the sowerby bridge pound, which smeaton was asked to address. he suggested a tunnel from hollins mill, similar to those used for draining collieries. construction began in june 1772, and was completed in march 1794. other improvements followed, with a new cut between shepley bridge and mirfield started in december 1775 supervised by william jessop, and the raising of water levels in 1776 to allow boats to carry additional cargo. a new cut at brighouse was added in 1780, while the two staircase locks at salterhebble and the single lock at brooksmouth were replaced at smeaton's suggestion by three new locks in 1782.