Thames towpath section to close for repairs

A section of Thames towpath is set to close for "essential" repair work to the eroding riverbank.

Work on the affected section off Abingdon Road in Oxford, between Folly Bridge and Isis Lock, is expected to run from early July until late September, Oxfordshire County Council said.

Damaged stretches of the towpath along the river will be extensively reconstructed during the works.

Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said the work would "safeguard this towpath for many years".

About 120m (393 ft) will be subject to piling work, which involves structural piles being driven into the ground to provide strength where the soil is weak or unstable.

Mr Gant said the work formed "part of our commitment to invest in the county's blue-green infrastructure [waterways and green spaces]".

"We realise how popular this towpath is, both as a sustainable route into the city as well as for the many walkers who enjoy strolling along the riverside," he continued.

"But the safety of users and workers is our priority and so we ask people to be patient and observe the closure."

The council said a combination of signed diversionary routes and local towpath width reductions would be in place until the repairs were completed.

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