Riverside walkway to be reopened

Police believe the posts and handrails were stolen for their metal value

A riverside walkway is to be reopened with extra security a month after handrails worth £200,000 were stolen by thieves, forcing it to be closed.

In July 82 posts and 200 handrails from the Rochester Riverside development were unbolted and driven away after security gates were forced open.

About 100 posts and 148 handrails awaiting installation were also stolen from a nearby site in July.

The mile-long walkway runs from Rochester Castle to the cathedral.

Councillor Jane Chitty said: "This fantastic walkway is back in action in time for the August Bank Holiday, which is great news."

She added: "We were determined to restore public access as soon as the site was safe and secure.

"We have introduced a number of extra measures including mobile guards with dogs. These will be on duty round-the-clock."

Visitors will be able to access the walkway from 0600 BST to 2000 BST following its reopening on Friday.