WORK is being carried out that could ease flooding issues in Winchester this winter.

The Environment Agency is in the process of improving the banks of the River Itchen by removing pilings and widening the river banks.

Heb Leman, project officer for The Test and Itchen River Restoration Strategy, said it is being carried out about four miles north of Winchester until mid-December.

He said: “We are allowing the river to expand when it needs to in times of flood. It will flood out to those fields, which it didn’t in January. It’s a benefit for the conservation of the river, and with the potential to increase flood storage.”

Mr Leman said the work will also improve the wildlife habitats.

“Both rivers require a certain habitat, but because of history, dredging, industry, etc, they are both failing their designation,” he said.

“My job is to work with land owners to encourage them to restore their section of river to raise the standards.”

The team is also working on a feasibility report on a weir south of the city, “with a view to taking it out which will improve conveyance through Winchester”.

The report is expected to be finished by mid-December, and if it proves possible the work is expected to be carried out in October next year.

It would also improve the salmon spawning habitat.