Bingley's historic Five Rise Locks is undergoing a major engineering project - the first in more than two centuries.

The programme should ensure the landmark's existence for at least another century, according to the building works manager.

Built in 1773 by local builder John Longbotham, the locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal - the M62 of its day - became a wonder of the canal age.

The lock walls have suffered leaks in recent years, with water seeping into surrounding ground and damaging two of the foundation walls.

This has also caused stress on the chamber walls of one of the higher sections of the lock, with erosion of the underlying ground.

Now the £250,000, ten-week civil engineering project, funded by British Waterways and other grants, has begun on the top three locks.

Tony Long, works manager for contractors Galliford Try, is overseeing the project and a team of 15 workers.

He said: "It will include grouting behind the lock walls followed by draining of the locks and then re-pointing of all the masonry lock walls, to prevent further leakage.

"It has been a health and safety risk for a while but once the work has been completed, it will ensure the future of the locks for another 100 years."

Despite the work currently required, Mr Long said that the original work was of such a high standard that it was only now, more than 200 years since they were built, that the locks required major engineering.

He said: "Considering that no major works have ever been done on the locks, it shows what a great job the Longbotham family did originally.

"The structure of the locks remains very strong and you can tell, even all these years later, that they cut no corners when they built them.

"Of course, this area is renowned for the excellent quality of its stone and that has certainly held the locks in great stead over the years."

Linda Milton, British Waterways (Yorkshire) project manager, said the project would serve as further incentive for enthusiasts of the locks, who travelled for miles around to enjoy the towpath walk.

She said: "It is such a popular place to come and visit and this will ensure that remains the same for many years to come."

The locks and towpath will be closed for works from Three Rise Locks to Five Rise Locks until Friday, March 12.