Work has begun in the River Greta in Keswick to reduce flood risk in the town.
The Environment Agency is aiming to remove around 6,000 tonnes of gravel from the river in the Greta Bridge area.
The works is expected to last around six weeks.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Gravel naturally accumulates in the River Greta in Keswick and the removal of it will reduce flood risk by allowing water in the river to drain more quickly during heavy rain.
“Whilst removing gravel from rivers can go some way to help reduce flood risk, understanding where it will – and won’t – reduce flood risk is key.
“We consider each location carefully and do it where we know it will make a difference.
“However, even with these measures in place, the risk of flooding can’t be removed entirely. Sadly, as many residents in Keswick know, flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly with devastating effects.
During the work, the Environment Agency said it will aim to cause minimal disruption, but there may be some restriction to access to river banks while machinery is on site.
