Dredging along the River Greta at the High Hill end of Keswick is taking place, with up to 10,000 tons of gravel expected to be removed before the work is finished.
The Environment Agency is removing gravel deposits from the river in the area between Greta Bridge and Greta Grove House to continue to reduce flood risk to Keswick and surrounding communities. Work began in June and is due to be completed in the next few weeks.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “So far the work upstream of Greta Bridge has been completed and work is ongoing downstream of the bridge.
“Removal of the gravel will allow water to drain more quickly during heavy rain, in turn, reducing flood risk.”
Lynne Jones, who is chairman of Keswick Flood Action Group, is delighted that the dredging work is going ahead.
She said: “The Environment Agency has already removed 5,250 tons of gravel from Pencil Mill bend (Crosthwaite Road/ High Hill)) and we are pleased that they are moving downstream of the bridge this year as this is not routine.”
