Work is underway on a £3 million river improvement project in Kent.

The Environment Agency (EA) has begun refurbishing the East Farleigh lock along the River Medway near Maidstone.

The six-month scheme will see the 100-year-old lock's main structure redeveloped as well as a new fish and eel pass installed.

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Philip Munslow, EA Waterways Operations Manager, said: "It is a testament to the previous lock refurbishment that it has lasted over 100 years, especially in such a harsh environment.

"The construction is made more complicated by the confined nature of East Farleigh lock. However, working with our suppliers we are pleased to be able to invest in this site and bring the lock up to modern standards. The completion of these works will secure this structure for the next 100 years. The new fish pass means that 9 out of 10 lock sites on the Upper Medway will have had their barriers to fish passage removed."

(LM/MH)