Work will start this month to repair a heavily eroded section of river bank on the River South Tyne in Northumberland.

The bank, downstream of the road bridge in Haydon Bridge, is not a formal flood defence but if further erosion occurs, it could impact the riverside footpath and gardens to the rear of Rocksprings Crescent as well as flood defences further downstream.

The work will involve strengthening the river bank below the riverside footpath and then re-planting with trees to further stabilise it.

Tom Pitman, Environment Agency Project Manager, said:

Repairing this section of eroded river bank will reduce flood risk to the neighbouring footpath and gardens and protect flood defences downstream.

The restricted access to the area means much of the repair work will have to be done from within the river. This presents a risk to our team, who may need to pause work when river levels are high.

We’ll also take precautions to minimise disruption to the local environment. Fish will be safely removed from the affected area prior to the work taking place and fish passage will be maintained at all times.

The Environment Agency expects the repair work to be completed by the summer if weather conditions remain fair.