Preserving the Embankment

A £50,000 project to repair and renew some of the historic balustrades along The Embankment in Bedford town centre is now underway.

The Council has appointed specialist stone masons to carry out the works to the balustrades between Town Bridge and Newnham Road as part of the ongoing works to maintain the River Great Ouse as a much loved and iconic part of the borough.

Evidence from the Bedfordshire and Luton Archives Service shows the oldest section of the balustrades was in place by at least 1860. They were then extended shortly after this as a number of people fell into the Great Ouse and drowned when the Embankment was opened to the public.

Lib Dem Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "The Embankment is one of the most loved parts of the borough and we take our responsibility to maintain and protect it very seriously. That includes investing in important projects such as this.

"Balustrades have been in place along this section of the embankment for at least 150 years. Works such as these will ensure the Embankment continues to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, and remains an area we can all take pride in."

The works are scheduled to be completed before the end of the year.