Footbridge to close so lovelocks can be removed

Severn Trent said the weight of the locks was "causing some damage"

A footbridge over the River Trent in Nottinghamshire will be closed so hundreds of lovelocks can be removed.

Access to the Wilford Suspension Bridge, which connects The Meadows and West Bridgford, will be blocked on 7 October.

Water firm Severn Trent, which owns the bridge, confirmed in August that the locks would have to be taken down over concerns for the structural integrity of the bridge.

The bridge will be closed from 09:00 to 16:00 BST.

The bridge will be closed for a day while the locks are removed

Severn Trent warned earlier this year that the locks would have to be taken off, urging anyone who wanted to remove their locks used the correct keys.

For many, the padlocks helped to preserve special memories of loved ones, with the decision to remove them causing some upset.

The water supplier previously said the locks would be "well looked after" and that it was in touch with a local business to "create something special to honour their meaning".

Severn Trent also said it was making arrangements for people to collect any locks it removed.

A spokesperson for the firm added: "The bridge will be closed for the day for us to carry out the work as safely and quickly as possible.

"We are sorry for the disruption this may cause, but we expect the bridge to be reopened later on the same day.

"Details for those wishing to collect their lock will be confirmed soon and we're thankful for your continued understanding."