Work to remove gravel in Cockermouth is due to be completed soon.

The Environment Agency said it would take two days to complete the work near Gote Bridge.

A spokesman said: “Weather and river flow permitting, the final two days of gravel removal near Gote Bridge is ready to take place.

“Despite the dry weather, the water levels in Bassenthwaite Lake are high, which is causing the River Derwent to remain high and fast flowing.

“This prevents work taking place for the health and safety for the team and because the fast flow of the river means that the buckets of the diggers are unable to remove the gravel, as contents are washed out before they can be lifted out.”

Removal of gravel at Keswick’s Townfield was completed last week with over 25 tonnes removed.

But following a reassessment, the Environment Agency has decided that a further 4,000 tonnes of gravel needs to be removed.

The work is expected to take three weeks but is weather dependent.

An agency spokesman added: “Gravel removal from this point is necessary due to the increased amounts being deposited on the river bed here due to two landslips and bank erosion higher up the catchment.”

No gravel removal is yet planned for Workington, despite promises made to the town’s flood action group.

Amanda Wallace, chairman of Workington Flood Action Group, said consultants had been looking at the area but no physical work had taken place.

The Environment Agency said it was recognised there was a significant amount of gravel.

A spokesman said: “While, given the width of the flood plain at this location, these deposits may not reduce the capacity of the river corridor and thereby increasing the flood risk, we are remodelling the river to confirm this.

“We are also working with landowners on either bank to identify any increased risk of erosion and vulnerability of infrastructure and property.”