Footbridges across the River Thames at Teddington Lock will be closed for four days next month.

Richmond Council has announced the bridges will be closed to allow for a temporary river access ramp to be attached as part of ongoing improvement works to the lock.

The first of two closures will take place from 8pm on Friday 14 June until 6am on Monday 17 June.

A Richmond Council spokesperson said: "We will be working 24/7 to ensure all the necessary works are completed so we can reopen on the Monday morning."

The council has warned of noisy works taking place both day and night over the weekend, saying: "This is the only option to keep the closure to the weekend, avoiding disruption to commuters and schools during the week."

Work on the foundations of the temporary ramp can be seen on the right, and have since been completed. (Photo: Julian Monk)

The replacement of the river access ramp is part of the "complex" second phase of Richmond Council's improvement works to the footbridges and infrastructure surrounding the lock, with phase one mostly completed.

A dam is currently in place to allow access to the ramp, which is usually mostly underwater.

The council say they are building "a temporary access ramp before we start removing the old structure," which will allow river access while works are carried out.

The new, permanent ramp and the removal of the temporary ramp is expected to be completed by mid-October.

However, with the original start date of 18 March being pushed back to 8 April, the pressure is on for construction teams to keep the project from falling further behind.

Residents can talk to the team behind the project and share any concerns in two drop-in sessions on Wednesday 5 June and Tuesday 11 June from 8am to 5pm.

Local businesses like The Flying Cloud, The Anglers, Tide End Cottage and The Boat Shop will remain open as usual.