The annual cleaning of the River Hiz is about to get underway.

The clean up will take place near to St Mary's Church and Peppermint Court in Whinbush Road, Hitchin.

Water will be drained at the end of this week, on Friday (February 2), and refilled from a week after, on Friday (February 9) following completion of the works - with the much-needed yearly work scheduled to take place the week starting Monday, February 5.

The silt and sludge in the tanks, if not removed, can obstruct the flow in the tanks. General rubbish will also be removed from these sections of the river.

These sections of the river operate via a 'balancing tank' system which, with the use of sluice gates which help retain river water in those sections, create a visually appealing, deeper river in the centre of town.

Organisers say: "The work will take place during the day and will cause minimal disruption to the surrounding areas."

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