Announcing the record level of spending for the 2007-2008 works programme, Julia Simpson, head of Recreation, Navigation and Marine, said:

"Thanks to enhanced funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we have made great strides in tackling much-needed jobs, such as replacing old lock gates, on our waterways over the past two years. These crucial works help to make the rivers safer and more accessible, so it’s great that we’ve got the support to carry on making progress.

The River Thames heads the winter programme, with almost £6m-worth of much-needed works being carried out over the forthcoming months. The largest project will take place at Teddington where £850,000 will be spent on major repairs to the Lock Island, including the stabilisation of banks that are collapsing because of erosion exacerbated by this summer’s exceptional rain and fast flows.

Pinkhill Lock will also undergo a vital £500,000 refurbishment and public power will be installed at Godstow, Clifton, Mapledurham and Marsh Locks. This work will allow boaters to open lock gates automatically, rather than manually, when the lock keeper is off duty.