ENGINEERS have been praised for their “staggering” effort after repairing one of Oxford’s busiest River Thames locks in under 72 hours.

Sandford Lock was closed last Wednesday after a routine inspection uncovered cracks in the gates.

But Environment Agency staff and workmen drained the lock the same day and worked 24 hours a day to get the lock open again for bank holiday boaters on Saturday.

A temporary dam was put in place and more than 1,000 fish were removed before the lock was drained.

The agency’s area manager, Simon Hughes, said: “I’m delighted the lock was open in time for our customers to enjoy the river at the weekend.

“Minimising the impact on boaters and river businesses is our priority at this time of year.

“I would like to thank boaters for their patience and also residents and businesses for putting up with noisy work.

“I’m very proud that our team was able to complete this staggering amount of work in less than 72 hours.”

Metal plates and extra support sections were welded in place to strengthen the damaged sections of the six-tonne steel gates.

The agency will now investigate the cause of the cracks and carry out long-term repairs over the winter, as part of its maintenance programme.