The EA says starting this summer, Marsh Lock will be undergoing bank protection while Godstow and Iffley locks will have new laybys installed this autumn.

Sonning Lock will also benefit from the extra cash this autumn with new lock gates and repairs to its bullnoses.

Other much-needed work has been given the go ahead for next winter. This includes replacing the tail layby and bank protection at Shepperton Lock and stabilising the walkway and replacing the tail bullnoses at Bell Weir. Work will also start on the design of new lock gates for Cleeve Lock and riverbank protection at the tail of Culham Lock.

"This extra money will prove invaluable in getting some really important repairs completed on the River Thames, " said Paul Power, engineering specialist for the Thames waterway. "I am especially pleased work can now go ahead at Sonning and other designs can be completed in time for when we have further funds available."

Design plans to refurbish the lock walls at Godstow and Days locks got underway last month and work has begun at Teddington Lock to protect the riverbank and improve the layby and mooring facilities.