WORKS to improve the banks of a Hampshire river damaged during last winter’s floods are taking place.

The Environment Agency is repairing sections of the banks along the River Itchen in Eastleigh, near Highbridge Road.

Rod Murchie, water resources specialist for the EA in Hampshire, said it’s important to repair the banks so walkers can use paths alongside the river.

“It is taking far more water than it was ever designed to,” he said.

“We are repairing the breaches that were caused by the floods in winter. Levels were so high that a lot of damage was caused.

“The path is closed at the moment but people will always walk through. It is really important these days, it’s part of public health that people have got to get out and walk. It’s a nice landscape.”

Winchester City Council helped pay for the repair and nearby Brambridge Park Garden Centre let workmen store their tools whilst repairs are carried out.

A council spokesperson said: “The council is contributing £5,000 to the overall cost of around £55,000.

“The Itchen Navigation is a hugely important river for those who live, work and visit Winchester. Not only does it support numerous businesses including fish farms, cress-beds and agriculture, it is also extremely well-used by walkers and is important for wildlife.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with others to secure the future of the channel and are pleased we are able to contribute to the cost of repairing the damage to the footpath caused by last year’s wet weather.”