Work to maintain high levels of flood protection to residents in Bedford will begin next week, Monday 12th May, in Cardington.

Environment Agency contractors will be on site at the Cardington Canoe Slalom Sluice Gate and Channel for around 5 weeks to inspect the sluice gate and carry out any necessary repairs.

Repairs are likely to include corrosion repairs to the sluice gate, fitting new seals and ropes and applying anti-corrosion coating to the mechanical guards and hand rails.

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The sluice gate helps to prevent flooding in the area by reducing river levels upstream when the river is high and is an important element of the area’s flood defences. The facility also includes a popular canoe slalom course that is used throughout the year recreationally by local residents and clubs.

Chris Collin, Environment Agency officer, said: "This work is essential in maintaining a high level of flood protection to the Cardington area, and will have the added benefit of improving the canoeing course at the same time.

"We aim to cause as little disruption as possible while we complete this work."

(CD/MH)