Love locks removed from landmark bridge

Once the work is complete, it will no longer be possible to attach locks to the bridge

Love locks have been removed from a landmark bridge in the Peak District - after a council agreed to give them to a campaign group.

Derbyshire County Council said it needed to remove the padlocks from Weir Bridge in Bakewell to do repair work.

It originally intended to melt the locks down, but agreed to give them to Save the Love Locks at Bakewell following a public outcry.

Campaigner Mike Hall, who placed a lock on the bridge with his late wife, helped contractors start removing the locks on Tuesday.

Weir Bridge in Bakewell is a popular location for tourists - and pigeons

"Yes it's a bit of a sad day because the locks are coming off, but it's a good day because Save the Love Locks then get hold of the custody of them and we can look after them," Mr Hall said.

"So it's a good day, albeit a bit sad as well."

The wires of the bridge were cut so that the locks could be taken off

The wires were put in bags so they could be transported to Thornbridge Hall, a nearby stately home.

They will be displayed there so people like Mr Hall can visit to remember their loved ones.

The council previously said it had tried to find "alternative options" to display the locks in Bakewell, but "unfortunately no site has been identified".

The owners of Thornbridge Hall agreed to adopt the locks after being contacted by Richard Young from the campaign group.

The locks are being moved to nearby Thornbridge Hall

Weir Bridge is due to be closed until 7 October while it is refurbished.

As part of the work, the council intends to change the design of the bridge so that people will not be able to attach locks to it in future.

It said this was necessary for public safety, as there had been reports of people injuring themselves on the locks.

The eventual plan is to create a structure at Thornbridge Hall where the love locks can be attached, which will be next to the cafe so people do not have to pay an entry fee.

It will also be near a free car park, and people can access the estate by foot or bike when they are doing the Monsal Trail.