Mutford Lock to close for two months

A key route in and out of the Norfolk Broads is to shut to allow a historic lock nearly two centuries old to be repaired.

Mutford Lock in Oulton Broad, which provides passage to boats to the North Sea, will close for two months for the engineering work to be completed.

The site, close to Lowestoft, is one of only two entry and exit points, with the other being via the Yare, at Great Yarmouth.

The project will replace sluices which have failed on one set of the lock gates.

These sluices are vital to allow for water to be released in and out from one side to the other, to match the water level on Oulton Broad with that on tidal Lake Lothing, on the seaward side.

Inspections of the remaining wooden gates will also take place.

According to the Broads Authority, the lock is able to operate with just one sluice in operation but a long-term fix is needed.

A 60-tonne crane will be used to lift the gates to complete the repairs.

For the work to be carried out, boats will be unable to pass through between Monday, February 3 and Friday, March 28.

Haven Bridge in Yarmouth will remain operational during this time.

It is hoped Oulton Lock will be back open by the Easter holidays.