The Environment Agency (EA) has started work to refurbish Wadenhoe Lock in Northamptonshire.

The scheme is being carried out as part of the EA's £1.4 million investment into Anglian Waterways, a series of repairs and upgrades being made across the 353-mile navigable network.

Features include an engineering inspection of the Lock's chamber, replacement of the mitre gate pintle pins, cups and paddle gates, replacement of the vertical shaft and top bevel gears, replacement of the bearings on the horizontal shaft, repairs to the ladders and guillotine gate wheel tracks, an overhaul of the guillotine gate drive gear, and re-painting.

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The first phase of the work, which took place in November, required the Lock to be drained so that parts usually beneath the surface could be fully inspected and repaired.

The Lock will close again between 03 January and 12 February (subject to change) for work to continue on the gates, mechanism and paintwork.

Andy Bennison, Anglian Waterways assets senior specialist at the EA, said: "Our precious waterways are an important part of our nation's rich heritage and beauty. They are a national treasure, valued for their contribution to our environment, our health and wellbeing, and our economy. We're proud to play a part in caring for them, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

Maintaining them to a good, safe working standard is our number-one priority. We invest money very carefully to ensure the best value for every pound we spend. This means our waterways will continue to offer outstanding value to the many, many people who enjoy them every year."

(LM/MH)