Repair works on the Thames Towpath breach between Kew and Richmond could begin as soon as this month, according to The Kew Society.

The breach, which first appeared on 19 October 2024, created a significant gap in the towpath near the boundary between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, leaving the area prone to flooding at high tide.

Dr Sarah Clarke, The Kew Society's Environment Lead, joined engineers, ward councillors and other stakeholders for a recent site visit, where they were updated on the ongoing safety measures and the path toward repair.

During the visit, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee, confirmed that new safety barriers have been installed on either side of the breach to prevent the public from bypassing warning signs.

Barriers have been installed at the Thames Towpath towpath to block access (credit: The Kew Society).

Engineers on-site explained that emergency temporary works had been put in place to limit further damage to the towpath while designs for permanent repairs are finalised.

The Kew Society reported: "With preliminary designs in place to start the consents process for the repair work, the council is hopeful to start the real work in April, with aspirations that the towpath can be reopened during the summer."

However, the charity noted that access will not be possible while permanent repairs are underway.

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