FAULTY sluice gates at Weston's Marine Lake will see it temporarily close later this month for repair works to be carried out. 

North Somerset Council says two sluice gates - which will be replaced to the tune of £60,000 - will now be replaced.

More than 30,000 tonnes of silt was removed from the lake earlier this year as part of a £300,000 renovation package.

It was reopened on June 1 and saw scores of people flock to the lido after it was closed for dredging. 

Weston Mercury: Weston Marine Lake.Weston Marine Lake. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Improvements also saw accessibility upgrades and new signage. 

The council says Weston's only outdoor pool will now close for at least three weeks from September 19.

Executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, Cllr Mike Solomon, said it was a 'joy' to see Marine Lake enjoyed by 'so many'.

He said: "The work already completed is testament to all the effort that went into restoring the lake by so many people.

Weston Mercury: The lake was opened in 1928 as part of several inter-war tourism projects.The lake was opened in 1928 as part of several inter-war tourism projects. (Image: North Somerset Council)

"I must take this opportunity to thank the volunteers at Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks, not only for their continued support with this project but for all their efforts over the busy summer period.

"I’m pleased that the sluice gates will be replaced later this month."

The council pledged £700,000 last year to improve Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Marine Lake's as part of the 'Great Lakes project'.

Replacement of the gates will help to bring Weston's lido back into an outdoor swimming and watersports destination. 

The council's heritage champion, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, added: "This latest phase in Marine Lake’s restoration will ensure the best possible retention of water and aid the partial removal of silt.

"The season has shown how sensible we’ve been bringing this 94-year-old bathing facility back into proper public use.

"It’s certainly been very popular and it’ll be interesting to see how many continue swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and generally enjoying themselves in the water as autumn approaches.

"I wonder if any descendants of those who created the lake still live in Weston - if so, they can be rightly proud of their forebears."

The lake was opened in 1928 as part of several inter-war tourism projects.

The council says it will continue to work closely with a group of volunteers who assist with the management of the lake, known as the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks.