Owner offers to relocate love locks in Derbyshire

In a surprising turn of events, tens of thousands of love locks that were set to be removed from the Weir footbridge in Bakewell, Derbyshire, may be saved thanks to the owner of a nearby stately home. The Derbyshire county council had planned to remove approximately 40,000 locks, which have accumulated over a decade, to facilitate essential maintenance work on the bridge. This decision, announced in 2021, ignited significant backlash from locals and visitors who cherish the locks as memorials to loved ones. Richard Young, a former cafe owner and founder of the Save the Love Locks at Bakewell campaign, expressed relief at the potential resolution. He noted that the locks hold deep emotional significance for many, serving as reminders of personal memories, including those of deceased loved ones and significant life events. The owner of Thornbridge Hall, Emma Harrison, has proposed relocating the locks to a dedicated display area within the hall's grounds, allowing them to be appreciated year-round. The campaign group is currently coordinating with Derbyshire county council to facilitate the relocation of the locks to a wire fence at Thornbridge Hall, which will also allow for the continuation of the love lock tradition. While some individuals have already removed their locks in anticipation of the council's actions, they are encouraged to rehang them at the new location. The group is also exploring the idea of a "love lock bench" near the original bridge site for reflection. Derbyshire county council has yet to comment on the developments surrounding the love locks.