Historic crane to be removed and repaired

Work to shore up the south side of a canal in Newbury town centre and remove a historic goods crane is due to begin.

The fully refurbished crane, which stands next to the Kennet and Avon Canal, is expected to return in early summer.

It is part of £420,000 worth of work to complete Newbury's new Peace Garden area in the wharf.

Most of the project was finished last year, but during construction structural issues were found with the south river bank.

River bank piling will begin this month alongside further improvements between the American Bridge and the A339 flyover.

West Berkshire District Council said urgent works were "crucial" and would support improvements for walking, wheeling and cycling along the waterfront.

Cabinet member Justin Pemberton said: "This new space will bring real health and wellbeing benefits for our residents and visitors.

"Once completed, these improvements will be enjoyed for generations."

Funding for the project has been provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the exact construction date of the crane is unknown, but it is believed to have been during the 1850s or 1860s.

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.