Work to improve an area of the Tonbridge Town Lock has begun.

The improvement scheme, which will take 34 weeks to complete, aims to enhance a section along the stretch of Medway Wharf Road between the intersection with the High Street and the River Centre.

Representatives from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, the Environment Agency and consultancy company, Betteridge & Milsom, gathered on Friday to witness the digging of the first turf patch.

Cllr Russell Lancaster, Ward member for Medway, picked up tools to mark the occasion.

The construction will provide a fully accessible open space for the whole community, enhancing the riverside and allowing the public to walk along the river bank.

The project has also been designed to include flood defence work as well as the construction of an attractive new boathouse for use by the Environment Agency (EA) and other river users.

A new telemetry station will be installed to provide the EA with information on water levels.

Nicolas Heslop, leader of the council, said: “Everyone agrees that the river is a major asset for Tonbridge and enhancing this key riverside location in the town has long been a priority for the Council so I'm pleased we can now start the work to bring this important area into good use for local people.

"It will be another place in the town where local residents can enjoy the river in an attractive, high quality setting, and feel confident that the design, which includes new CCTV, will provide a safe and cared for environment. This project will add to the recent major enhancement of the Memorial Gardens and the forthcoming High Street regeneration project.”

Neil Gunn, Flood Risk Advisor at the Environment Agency, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to start work with our partners at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council on this important project, which will improve protection to 100 homes and businesses in Tonbridge.”

Funding has come from the Borough Council, the Environment Agency and through contributions from local developments.

Plans were given the green light by councillors in April.

Work is set to be complete by November 2015.