In recognition of the significance of the footbridge to many people, we are offering people the opportunity to come forward now to remove their ‘love lock’ before the work is due to start.
Councillor Charlotte Cupit, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport said:
“We understand the significance this bridge has developed for many people as a place to attach a lock to remember loved ones or to celebrate special anniversaries.
“However, as we have noted over the last few years, the bridge requires repairs, which include tackling significant areas of rust as well as repairing the pedestrian walkway which has worn through in a number of places.
“We can only do these works by removing all the padlocks attached to the bridge. Whilst we know that views are divided over the overall presence of the locks on the bridge, we understand the importance of individual locks that have been placed on the bridge to many, so we are working hard to carry out these essential repairs in the most sensitive and responsible way we can.
“Back in 2021, the council delayed the planned repairs to look into all options for the future of the locks in the surrounding area as well as giving people time to remove their locks from the bridge. We’re now giving several months’ notice before the start of our repairs and would encourage anyone who wants to remove their lock during this time. We’ve planned the timing of these repairs for after the school holidays to both minimise disruption but also to give the summer period for people to remove their lock from the bridge if they would like to.
“After that time, as organisations have been unable to help identify or provide a site to display the locks, we will recycle any remaining locks and donate the proceeds to 2 local charities chosen by Bakewell Town Council.
“To enhance public safety, 3 new polished stainless steel railings will be installed on each side of the bridge to replace the wires people have used to attach their locks, helping to improve public safety and reduce the previous issue that has been raised by some of grazes and cuts from protruding locks.”
The extensive repair works to the 26-year-old footbridge include:
- treating any rust
- repainting the bridge structure with a modern flexible paint, designed to expand and contract in hot and cold weather, helping to protect the bridge and maintain its appearance
- laying a new, long lasting, anti-slip, reinforced glass fibre walkway to replace the existing damaged surface
- attaching new tubular railings to replace the wires used by people to attach their love locks. The thicker diameter of the tubes will prevent locks being attached to the bridge in the future, making maintenance of the structure much easier and improving public safety by reducing the risk of any further grazes and cuts caused by protruding locks
To help inform local residents and visitors to the town, pedestrian diversion signs will be installed and information boards will be available to highlight to people to remove any of their love locks if they would like to.
The repairs, the first major maintenance programme since the bridge was installed in 1997/98, promise to extend the life of the bridge structure by 25 years.
The first love locks were attached to the bridge in 2011 and since then we estimate 5,000 locks have been added.