A popular riverside walkway will be protected by security guards and dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week when it re-opens on Friday.

The extra security measure has been introduced to the Rochester riverside site after two £100,000 thefts forced the walkway to close less than six weeks after opening.

Eighty-two posts and 200 handrails were unbolted, loaded into a vehicle and driven away by thieves after they forced open security gates in Furells Road during the early hours of July 14.

The theft left a 140 metre gap in the handrail installed along the riverside walk forcing Medway Council and South East England Development Agency (Seeda) to close the site for public safety reasons.

Just seven days before the theft, 100 posts and 148 handrails awaiting installation were also stolen by thieves after they broke open security gates at Gus House Lane.

Security staff were sacked following the thefts.

Cllr Jane Chitty, responsible for Medway Council’s strategic development and economic growth, said: “This fantastic walkway is back in action in time for the August Bank Holiday, which is great news.

“We were determined to restore public access as soon as the site was safe and secure. We have introduced a number of extra security measures including mobile guards with dogs. These will be on duty round-the-clock.”

The mile-long walkway with stunning views of the river, castle and cathedral, is open from 6am to 8pm for the next three months. The times will then be reviewed.

There are three points of public access from Gas House Road, Blue Boar Lane and Doust Way. Along the route are 12 information boards explaining the site’s history and plans for its future as a new waterside community of 2,000 homes.