Stort towpath upgraded

WORK has begun this week on a £150,000 project to upgrade 220 yards of Stort towpath at Bishop's Stortford.

The project is expected to last eight weeks and will see the towpath resurfaced, tree roots that have grown under and broken through the path removed and a new tarmac surface laid to create a smooth path for all users.

BW will carry out the work

The work comes after the council teamed up with British Waterways to secure match funding. British Waterways will carry out the improvement work.

An East Herts Council spokesman related:

"In this difficult economic climate, local organisations are being encouraged to team up to pool resources. This project is a great example of how we're embracing partnership work with British Waterways and Hertfordshire Forward to keep improving Bishop's Stortford."

The work will also see access ramps resurfaced, pinch points widened and bollards installed to prevent vehicles from getting onto the towpath. Two striking new timber gateway signs will also be installed.