A crime-hit underpass is to stay shut for three weeks to allow CCTV and lighting to finally be installed.

The dingy walkway in Ashford, which runs under the railway line between the International station and the Designer Outlet, is being upgraded as part of the 'Safer Streets' initiative.

Contractors shut off the path today and it will remain closed until Monday, September 5.

Ashford Borough Council had initially announced the route would be upgraded in January, but the work was delayed.

In June, police taped off the walkway following a sexual assault and a month later two teenagers were attacked by a group of six or seven people.

An ABC spokesman said: "We are pleased that we and Network Rail have finalised a date for maintenance works to take place at the underpass that connects the domestic railway station (Mill Court) footpath to Newtown Road and the Designer Outlet.

"During the maintenance, we will be installing a new colour wash-lighting system, which can be programmed and controlled remotely – the included image shows this type of themed lighting in action.

"CCTV is also planned for the underpass using some of our Safer Streets funding and more details on the lighting project and the CCTV will be shared with everyone once available."

A £550,000 share of the 'Safer Streets' fund was awarded to Ashford in the autumn by the Home Office to make the town centre safer, particularly for women and girls.

Some of the cash has already been spent on mirrors in the town centre and the new Ashford Streetwise app.