Boats remove debris from River Derwent after flooding

Teams have been out on boats removing debris from the River Derwent in Derby following recent flooding.

The clean-up at Darley Abbey Mills bridge started on Monday morning and will take about a week, the Environment Agency said.

The cast iron piers, which support the bridge's deck, will also be inspected for damage once the debris is removed, Derby City Council added.

The agency said the work would help manage future flood risk.

A spokeswoman from the agency said: "Following the storms and flooding we have seen this winter, a large amount of debris has collected in our rivers.

"Branches and other items which have been swept into the river can restrict the flow of water, causing a potential flood risk so our teams are out clearing blockages to help maintain river flow."

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability at the city council, said debris had collected against the upstream side of the bridge.

She said: "The work will also include the removal of debris that has collected around the fish pass to Darley Abbey Weir.

"The poor condition of the bridge, which does not belong to the council, has made this a more complicated task, and the safety of staff working on site is our main priority.

"There is no indication that the debris accumulation has caused any damage to the cast iron piers that support the deck, but they will be inspected once the debris has been removed."

Cadent Gas said it was there as a precautionary measure.

The bridge has remained closed since it was shut in May 2022 due to safety concerns.

The following September, a temporary footbridge was put in place and the council said in 2023 that it could remain in place for another five years.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].