An estimated 5,000 fish have been relocated from Teddington Launch Lock.

The Environment Agency also removed the water so it could inspect the structure to make plans for necessary refurbishment works.

As part of the dewatering activity, the EA worked with ecologists FiveRivers who carried out electro-fishing to safely remove any fish from the works area.

They translocated an estimated 5,000 fish from the lock, across 11 fish species.

To safely remove the fish, they were placed into oxygenated holding tanks and then released back in the River Thames at a suitable location.

Inspections and scans indicate that the lock chamber and walls require additional strengthening.

It’s still hoped the launch lock will be open towards the end of the boating season.