Lock to undergo crucial 'below water-level' repairs

The Great Ouse, which runs through Bedford, is described as the "jewel in our crown", the borough council says

A lock on the River Great Ouse is to close for six months and undergo a structural upgrade involving crucial "below-waterline repairs".

The Environment Agency said the major project, at Bedford Lock by the town's Embankment, will involve a "full drain down".

Bedford Borough Council, which owns the land containing the lock, says work will start at the end of the month - finishing in April 2026 - and will impact nearby car park capacity.

The lock, the first in the town, means the Great Ouse can be navigated along its route through Cambridgeshire to the Wash at King's Lynn, in Norfolk.

Work on Bedford Lock is expected to take several months to complete

Steven Wilby, project manager for navigation and waterways at the Environment Agency, said: "These works involve a full drain down of the lock to carry out necessary below-waterline repairs.

"This will create a new downstream landing stage to enable boat owners to operate the lock without blocking the lock entrance.

"We'll also carry out upgrades to the structure to help boat users navigate through."

The council says the work is essential to ensure the lock "remains safe and fully operational".

It said a temporary site compound would be set up in Everard Meadow and a temporary Bailey bridge would be installed across the lower river, so construction vehicles could access the lock.

It means half of the public car park off the Longholme Way-Rope Walk roundabout will be closed for the duration of the project.

All public footpaths will remain open.

Access routes on Mill Meadows will also be fenced off, but public footpaths will remain open, Bedford Borough Council said

Independent councillor Nicola Gribble, portfolio holder for environment at the authority, said: "We understand that these works will cause some disruption, but they are absolutely vital to keep Bedford Lock safe and functioning for everyone's benefit.

"We appreciate the patience of local residents and visitors as we work alongside the Environment Agency to carry out this important project that protects both our environment and the community's enjoyment of this beautiful area."