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A crime-hit underpass closed off for two months has reopened with new lights installed along the route.

The path in Ashford, between the International station and Designer Outlet, has been out of action since mid-August.

The decision was made to install CCTV and lights after several crimes were reported.

The site was shut off in June following a sexual assault and, a month later, two teenagers were attacked when walking under the railway line by six or seven people.

But the installation of new coloured LED lighting has been delayed after vandals broke into the site and damaged a light fitting.

A spokesperson for Ashford Borough Council (ABC) says once the damaged light has been replaced, work can be completed.

"Once this has been done the contractors will be able to complete the installation of the colour wash LED lighting, which still requires programming," they said.

"Once this has all been completed we will arrange a formal opening which stakeholders will be invited to."

New strip lights have been attached to the roof of the underpass by Network Rail but CCTV cameras are yet to be added by ABC.

Bosses say the new colour-wash lighting system which can be programmed and controlled remotely.

The work comes as part of the town's Safer Streets campaign - a campaign to make Ashford safer after it was awarded £550,000 from the Home Office.

In other areas of the town, the safer streets fund has been used to put mirrors in alleyways as well as introduce a Street Wise app to help residents choose the safest way to walk home.

Council bosses had initially announced the route would be upgraded in January, but it was delayed by National Rail which owns the underpass.

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