Hand rails have been installed after an incident in which three women taking part in a local footpaths walk fell down steps beside the M25 motorway.

The paths are part of definitive rights of way between Crockenhill and Eynsford, linked by a tunnel under the M25 motorway.

Embankment steps were provided on both sides of the motorway for walkers when it was built, but until now have never had rails.

Mike Riches, of Eynsford and Crockenhill Rights of Way Group, said: “Many more people have taken up walking during lockdown, meaning these embankment steps have been increasingly used, especially by people heading for Lullingstone Park.

News Shopper: The paths are part of definitive rights of way between Crockenhill and EynsfordThe paths are part of definitive rights of way between Crockenhill and Eynsford

“KCC are to be congratulated on the speed with which this work was carried out, once the increasing danger was raised by the group.

"The accident happened when one lady stumbled, and with no handrail to grab all three ladies fell in domino effect. One lady was taken to hospital, but the two others managed to continue their walk, though badly shaken.

“As these are definitive rights of way, the paths appear on Ordnance Survey and other walking maps, so they attract walkers from far and wide.”