The New River walk. Photo: Graham Watts

TWENTY-five years after the Friends of New River formed to restore a stretch of river to its former glory it is finally undergoing a facelift.

Later this month the New River will see its waters dredged to remove unsightly duck weed and the pumps that operate to circulate the water will be checked to try and provide a longer-term solution to the weeds.

As part of a £450,000 regeneration scheme paid for by Islington Council, work is due to be completed by April. The two sections of the river will be from Canonbury Road to St Paul’s Road and from Canonbury Road to Willow Bridge Road.

Jack Lambert, chairman of Friends of the New River, said: “As the water has two sections, it is hoped that one of them will always have water in it while work takes place in the other one so as to be accessible to the public as well as to birds and fish.”

Philip Walker, chairman of the Canonbury Society, said: “The money came from the council but we’re not sure which budget. It’s been mooted for a few years and it finally came through although we were slightly fearful it wouldn’t happen at all in these straitened times.

“They’re dredging the river and making improvements and have £450,000 to do it so it should be a big improvement. We think it’s good news although we were slightly disappointed the money didn’t extend to repairing the railings and brick walls.”

Works will also focus on improving the river banks and pruning the trees.

“Ancient” signage will also be replaced.

“It needs renovating. It’s very popular and is a lovely asset to have in the midst of where we live and hasn’t had any attention for 20 years so we are grateful for the council putting in some investment,” Mr Walker added.