A subway in Watford with a "reputation" for petty crime and drug dealing is undergoing a significant refurbishment.

The walkway under St Albans Road near Essex Road is seeing £40,000 invested into it following pressure from residents and councillors.

Nascot ward councillor Mark Watkin previously told the Observer there were problems in the subway for years but calls for action were stepped up after a stabbing in October last year.

Members of the Watford Liberal Democrats have now confirmed renovation is taking place with the work to be funded by Hertfordshire County Council.

Watford Observer: The subway The subway

LED lighting will be upgraded to enable CCTV to be installed to deter anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, the walls and steps are to be cleaned and repainted with improvements also to be made to the drainage system.

A ramp has been created for wheelchair users, prams, and for pedestrians who are less mobile, to improve access to and from the subway and the paths have been resurfaced.

Students from West Herts College are also expected to provide artwork for the subway walls once the refurbishment work has been completed.

Watford Observer: Some resurfacing work has taken place and there is now a rampSome resurfacing work has taken place and there is now a ramp

Fellow Nascot councillor Tom Osborn said: "I’ve heard from many residents of their concern at the level of anti-social behaviour that has blighted this subway for a far too long.

"We hope that the addition of CCTV and a major refurbishment will reassure residents that their Nascot councillors are working hard to make sure their worries are addressed, and that local assets are maintained to a decent standard."