OSNEY Lock could be shut for more than two weeks as part of £900,000 weir repair works next winter.

The Environment Agency is to splash the cash replacing parts of the two weirs at the West Oxford lock after checks in 2010 found they were in a poor state.

The weirs allow the agency to control water levels on the river.

Work to Weir A, which includes replacing the walkway and refurbishing the gates, is to take place between October and December.

Last night the Environment Agency said a temporary footbridge would be set up while the walkway is replaced.

But it warned boaters could face disruption as the lock could shut for more than two weeks.

Technical specialist Graham Croucher, said: “The works are programmed for the winter period so we cause minimum disruption.”

Works to Weir B, which will include replacement of gates and a walkway, will take place between May and October next year.

But they are unlikely to cause disruption as the weir is on private land.

Susanna Pressel, county councillor for West Central Oxford, said: “I’m glad the Environment Agency is looking after its assets and making sure the weir works as well as possible.

“It could be vitally important if a flood is threatening.”

She added: “I hope the boats won’t be inconvenienced. I’m glad the are putting up a temporary footway so pedestrians and cyclists won’t be inconvenienced too.”

Kate Stewart, chairman of Osney Island Residents’ Association, said: “It’s good that they are taking care of the weirs and making sure they are safe for all users.

“We have had good collaboration and they have kept us informed in the past and I hope this will be the case this time.”

Consultation on the plans ends in October. For details visit environment-agency.gov.uk Meanwhile environmental group Low Carbon West Oxford is hoping to install a hydroelectric generator at the weir.

Oxford boat engineer Jon Ody said a few people would be disrupted but it was a necessary inconvenience.

He said: “Work needs to be done. It would be different if there more facilities that people needed to reach to but there aren’t those facilities in Oxford. The Environment Agency know what they are doing.

“And I’m happy to let them get on with it. It’s better they did it in the winter than in the summer.”