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 agency 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.