PRESSURE is mounting on the Environment Agency to remove gravel from the River South Tyne at Haydon Bridge – after dredging work was carried out in Cumbria.

The agency moved its heavy machinery into the River Derwent last month to prevent a repeat of the devastation caused by severe flooding back in December.

Now Haydon Parish Council is stepping up its own campaign for action to be taken in a village which saw the Tyne burst its banks during Storm Desmond.

Homes, businesses, and the Methodist Church were flooded, with drains unable to cope with the volume of water.

Councillors have investigated the possibility of organising their own dredging scheme, after being told by the agency in June that it was not necessary.

Avril and David Kirsopp, of Rocksprings Crescent, have recently moved back into their home after last December’s ordeal.

Attending last Thursday’s parish council meeting, Avril said it was time for the Environment Agency to finally act.

She said: “In Cumbria, 50,000 tonnes have been removed from a river, but nothing is being done about the South Tyne at Haydon Bridge. The volume of gravel in the river here is absolutely ludicrous.”

Coun. David Robson said “It’s one thing being told we can go ahead and do it ourselves, but when I saw what was happening in Cumbria, I was stunned.

“I think its time for the Environment Agency to take a closer look at the situation at Haydon Bridge.”