Repairs to a sinkhole on the Lune Aqueduct canal towpath at Lancaster are set to take place despite delays due to vandalism.
The Canal and River Trust, who look after Lancaster Canal, have said they are aiming to complete the work in the next two weeks, subject to consent from SP Electricity North West - said Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster & Wyre.
The section of towpath running over the stunning Grade 1 aqueduct has been fenced off since May after the discovery of a 1m deep hole immediately above high voltage cables.
There has also been repeated vandalism to the fencing, causing delays to the investigation and repairs.
"A ground survey of the structure has been undertaken to determine the underlying cause," said the trust, in their latest update on their website.
"Our engineers are currently awaiting the results, which will determine a full design solution and an appropriate method of repair."
The Lune Aqueduct
Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, said this week: "Following my request for expedited repairs, the Canal and River Trust has confirmed they are aiming to complete sinkhole repairs in the next two weeks, subject to SP Electricity North West granting their consent.
"Residents were concerned by a lack of progress and feeling left in the dark, only being aware that there would be a further update by 10th July.
"The organisation has reiterated to me that safety is paramount, and the presence of a 1m-deep hole in the towpath immediately over high voltage cables has meant that closing the towpath was the only safe option, and that repeated vandalism caused delays in ringfencing and securing the area for investigation and repair.
"I'm incredibly thankful to their team for working to make the area safe and secure.
"As the aqueduct is a stunning part of our local tourism offer as well as an everyday connection between two sides of the city, I'm delighted that we now have a sense of when this iconic structure will be fully reopened, giving residents and visitors peace of mind that by early July we should see the path back open."
Cat Smith MP
The MP had written to the trust saying the towpath above the aqueduct is "an important walking and cycling route which connects different parts of Lancaster" and "its closure is causing significant inconvenience and a split between two halves of the city".
Beyond Radio has contacted the trust for comment.
The 202 metres (664 feet) long aqueduct carries the canal 16 metres (53 feet) above the River Lune.
It was designed by John Rennie and constructed by Alexander Stevens in 1797. It consists of five 21 metre (70 foot) semi-circular arches.
The Canal and River Trust is the UK's largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of waterways.
Read more: Canal towpath on iconic Lune Aqueduct closed due to sinkhole - Beyond Radio
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