Whitehaven sea lock is to close for maintenance next week.

The lock gates at the entrance of the harbour will be shut from 8am on Monday, February 10 until 6pm on Friday, February 21.

During this time there will be no access through the lock in either direction or over the pedestrian bridge.

The works will ensure the gates work safely and reliably over the next year.

The lock gates were installed just over 20 years ago – primarily as a flood defence for the town – and are operated over 5,000 times per year.

A spokesman for Whitehaven Marina said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause, but we are sure you will understand that we have to carry out this planned maintenance to ensure the gates work safely and reliably.”

For more information on the annual maintenance programme email tonytaylor@whitehavenmarina.co.uk