A LOCK gate replacement programme on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal costing £150,000 is nearly finished.

The seven-week programme will be completed on December 17.

The works have taken place during the British Waterways stoppage season which allows repairs to be carried out during the quieter part of the boat users' year from November to March.

The latest gates to be replaced were in Marsden and were made at the British Waterways workshop in Birmingham.

The 1.9-tonne gates had to be lowered into place using a crane.

Graham Shuttleworth, maintenance supervisor, said the work carried out during the stoppage season was essential to keep the canal up and running.

He said: "This will have taken a team of 12 people about seven weeks to complete.

"There is a great deal of preparation work to be carried out before we even begin replacing the lock gates and this has to be done carefully as we are in a very sensitive conservation area.

"The life span of the new oak gates is about 25 years, dependent on water quality and usage."

Locks in Linthwaite and Slaithwaite are also due to have new lock gates.