THREE sets of locks on the local stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal are being replaced. British Waterways is replacing the rotten lock gates at Higgs Lock, Guyers Lock and Newbury Lock – by the Lock Stock and Barrel pub. Work begins on the latter pair in January.

Parking update

Shoppers in Newbury can take advantage of a month of free weekend parking in the town in the run-up to Christmas. West Berkshire Council’s staff car parks in Market Street and Faraday Road, and Bayer’s spaces at Strawberry Hill will be available all day Saturday, while every car park in town is currently free on Sundays.

Executive councillor Sally Hannon said: “There’s plenty of parking in Newbury, and shopping here can be a pleasant and comparatively relaxing experience.”

Hennessy looming

More than 35,000 racegoers are expected in Newbury this weekend for the Hennessy Gold Cup. Tickets are still available for the premier event, and French chaser First Gold – carrying top weight – is current 3/1 favourite for the £120,000 prize pot.

Head groundsman Steve Robinson said the going would likely be good to soft, adding: “The forecast is for it to remain cloudy but dry for the rest of the week.”

Cyclist victory

Cyclists have had their fares reduced when traveling on trains in and around Newbury. First Great Western has scrapped its £4 charge for bikes, after successful lobbying by cyclists. The change takes effect in two weeks, and the train operator expects more cyclists to start using local services.