A canal towpath is set to be upgraded between Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley.

Work will begin on Monday, April 17, and is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Public access to the area will be suspended during these works, with a diversion route in place.

The upgrade will involve resurfacing an 800 metre stretch of the towpath, in order to make it more accessible for the local community whilst encouraging cycling and walking.

The area - between Nash Mills Lane in Apsley and the River Gade lakes, north of Kings Langley - is frequently used by school students and commuters accessing the Apsley and Kings Langley train stations.

The upgrade has been funded by the Hemel Garden Communities - which was awarded government funding for the project through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Three Rivers District Council, Dacorum Borough Council and Nash Mills and Kings Langley Parish Councils have also contributed financially.

Chair of Hemel Garden Communities Board, Bob Lane OBE, siad: “We are very pleased to support this key upgrade to the towpath, working with our local authority partners.

"The Grand Union Canal is a beautiful local attraction and the resurfacing will enable more people to enjoy it year-round, for leisure and active travel.”

Watford Observer: Work is expected to be completed by the end of June.Work is expected to be completed by the end of June. (Image: Hemel Garden Communities)

Canal & River Trust's director for London & South East, Ros Daniels, added: "As the nation’s canal charity making life better by water, we’re creating great off-road routes for the local community through resurfacing towpaths.

"Research shows that being next to water improves your mental and physical health and we are committed to making canals more welcoming, safe and clean.

"This, in turn, will encourage more people to use them, and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of walking and cycling, and being by the water.”