Bakewell’s Weir Bridge in the Peak District continues to bear witness to thousands of love locks, defying the intended removal set for 2023, a pause in the maintenance project that was initiated two years ago.
The tradition of affixing padlocks to the bridge began over a decade ago, creating a unique spectacle in the town. Derbyshire County Council, in 2021, temporarily halted its maintenance plan and announced the removal of the locks in 2023. However, as of now, an exact date for the removal has not been determined.
Richard Young, a retired businessman from Bakewell, has been a vocal advocate for preserving the love locks. He initiated the ‘Save the Love Locks at Bakewell’ Facebook group, emphasizing the locks’ significance as a “fantastic natural tourist attraction” for the town.
“It means a great deal to people,” stated Mr. Young, underlining the sentimental value the locks hold for both locals and visitors. He noted the positive impact on local businesses as people visit annually, contributing to the town’s economic activity.
While acknowledging the divisive opinions among locals regarding the locks, Mr. Young emphasized their role as a unique tourist attraction that has not incurred any cost for the town. He expressed his hope that if removal is unavoidable, an alternative space can be designated for the locks, preserving their significance.
Derbyshire County Council cautioned against adding more locks to the bridge and stated that once removed, the fate of the locks remains uncertain. However, Mr. Young advocates for a thoughtful relocation, suggesting a nearby space where the locks can be displayed on a heart shape, stand, or memorial.
The council assured the public that ample notice would be provided before initiating the removal process, allowing individuals to retrieve their locks if they wish to do so. A spokesperson stated, “We need to carry out some routine maintenance on the bridge and would need to remove the locks to do this work. At the moment, we don’t have any specific dates for this work, but before we start, we will give plenty of notice so that people have the opportunity to come and remove their locks.”
