WORK is under way on a £30,000 project to improve the quality and flow of water in the River Darenth.

The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Dartford Council to make the improvements on a section of the river in Central Park.

The stretch was drained on December 22, allowing the riverbed to dry out.

Teams of workmen will remove dried mud to a depth of 50cm along the riverbed in a bid to clean the waterway.

Water and fish have been diverted into a channel of river flowing through the Acacia Hall and will be returned once work is complete.

Portfolio holder for parks and open spaces Councillor Patsy Thurlow said: "The work will enhance the beauty of both Central Park and the river."

The pedestrian gate on Princes Road will be closed until work is completed in four weeks' time.