Warning issued as love locks reappear on bridge

Authorities have renewed warnings over love locks after padlocks began reappearing on a bridge in Nottingham.

Hundreds of commemorative padlocks were taken off the Wilford Suspension Bridge in October due to structural concerns.

Severn Trent, which owns the footbridge, said the weight of the locks was impacting its structural integrity but promised a new space for locks to be placed along the Victoria Embankment.

The firm added that it carries out routine maintenance works on the bridge and any locks will be removed.

People are also being warned not to place padlocks on the new £18m Waterside Bridge, which connects Nottingham to Lady Bay.

In a statement, Transport Nottingham, which is run by Nottingham City Council, said: "We love love too but a reminder that love locks will be cut off Waterside Bridge and chucked away - so please don't waste your time and money."

Nottingham City Council has been approached for comment.

Sam Davison, communications officer at Severn Trent, said placing locks on the Wilford Suspension Bridge over time can cause serious structural damage.

Davison added: "When we had all the locks on the bridge last year, the wind could not pass through the bridge properly, impacting the pipes that pass through it.

"Now, we have been noticing that people are starting to place [padlocks] back on the bridge. We know the bridge is important to the local community, but we are urging the public to stop doing that."

A new home for the love locks which were previously removed is being designed by architecture students at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.

Nine designs have been put forward and views are welcomed until 12 June, after which a panel will decide the winning design.

The judging panel is made of representatives from the bridge's owner Severn Trent, the two universities, Nottingham City Council and a member of the public.

Davison added: "We are working with the universities to find a new place for people to put the locks.

"That's why we're asking the public to hold on to their locks for now while we develop something else for them to place the locks on.

"We don't want to remove the locks, but we have no choice or the bridge's structure will be affected."

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