Dredging is taking place at Osney Lock in west Oxford as the first stage of a major restoration project to counteract the effects of erosion caused by the River Thames.

Dredging work takes place at Osney Lock

Water pouring downstream and diverted through the weir has caused serious damage to the banks of the weir island behind the lock house.

The Environment Agency, which has its district navigation office on the island, is planning to carry out a programme of bank repairs from May to October.

During the work, the agency will move to alternative riverside premises nearby, although lock-keeper Keith Reeve will remain operational in his cottage by the lock to help supervise the hundreds of holiday craft expected to pass through during the summer season.

In order to carry out the bank repairs, the agency is having to dredge a shoal of sand and silt which has built up in the weir pool, to provide better access for the machinery to be used for the reconstruction work.