£2 millions Thames towpath

UPGRADING three miles of the Thames towpath through Oxford has cost nearly £2 millions.

It has been upgraded to a cycle track including the area around  Iffley Lock, Fiddlers Island and Medley Island.

Health and safety

Teenager Ben Halsey-Jones fell into the river from the towpath and drowned in this area, with health and safety reasons being put forward as a reason for the expensive upgrade.

As old sections of the towpath were removed it was realised extra work was needed, and in some sections traditional hoggin stone was used to complement local surroundings.

The towpath is the route of the Thames Path National Trail, which follows the river for 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds.