'Love locks' could be put in a permanent art space

Thousands of the padlocks have been attached to the bridge

Artists could be involved in creating a permanent space for so-called 'love locks' which are being cut off a bridge, a council has said.

Workers are currently removing the padlocks - attached to Pero's Bridge in Bristol as a romantic gesture - over fears they are too heavy as they reportedly weigh up to three tonnes.

Bristol City Council said the removed padlocks are being kept in storage while it "explores the possibility of involving artists in the creation of a permanent structure to house the locks".

The council added the bridge may need to close for "short inspection periods" to remove "more difficult locks" , but expects the work to finish by the middle of September.

Work to remove the padlocks could continue until the middle of September

Couples had attached thousands of padlocks to the bridge - which is named after Pero Jones who was enslaved in Bristol in the 18th Century - many with their initials inscribed.

Pero's Bridge opened in 1999 and links Queen Square and Millennium Square, and work to remove the padlocks started on Monday.

Bristol city councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the harbour committees, said the work is being done to "prevent overloading" of the bridge.

"Our operational staff are fitting this work in around their regular duties, and plan to remove the majority of locks using bolt croppers to minimise any damage and disruption, keeping the bridge open for as long as possible," he said.

"This approach means we expect work to continue into mid-September.

"Towards the end of the works, when the final, more difficult to remove locks will be cut away using an angle grinder, the bridge may need to be closed for short inspection periods.

"We recognise the sentimental value of these locks and the importance of providing a place where people can still visit their lock to remember the reasons they attached it to the bridge."