the b&glosr regarded these proposed branches as hostile: the colliery branches invaded territory they regarded as their own. the londonderry wharf branch was hugely significant as it lay on the bristol side of keynsham lock, on the river avon: it would enable the a&gr company to transfer coal to river vessels there and take it into bristol, by-passing most of the b&glosr line. the a&gr declined to accept that there had been any territorial understanding, but did concede the transfer of the shortwood branch to the b&glosr.