WORK to repair flood defences in Haydon Bridge gets under way next week.

Last December Storm Desmond flooded homes, businesses and the Methodist Church.

Starting on Monday, the Environment Agency will carry out repairs on the banks of the River South Tyne.

Gravel from within the river channel will be used to build up parts of the banks which were washed away during storms in December and January.

Improvements will also be carried out to the flood wall at Temple Houses.

A second phase of work will start later in August, with a repair programme planned for the flood bank at Martins Close and Rocksprings Crescent. The Environment Agency will also raise low spots in the flood defences behind Rocksprings Crescent.

In addition, re-pointing and other reinforcement work is scheduled for the flood wall at Brigwood. The work is part of a £3m Environment Agency recovery programme.