A bridge blockage has been cleared after tree trunks washed up by Storm Ashley stopped rowers, river cruises, and pleasure boats operating. 

Elvet Bridge, in the heart of Durham's historic city became blocked recently, as tree trunks washed down river after extreme weather from Storm Ashley.  

On Wednesday (October 30), a team from Durham County Council were seen pulling logs out of the water. 

Pictures of the blockage, and the cleanup operation, were captured by Kevin Creaghan, a member of the Northern Echo's Camera Club. 

(Image: Kevin Creaghan/Northern Echo Camera Club)

Kevin said: "The recent high levels of the river has brought bankside fallen trees and branches down stream into the City.

"The centre arch became blocked, preventing the possibility of rowers and possible pleasure boats using this arch.

"Also, the protruding branches would prevent the Prince Bishop cruise boat from operating.

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(Image: Kevin Creaghan/Northern Echo Camera Club)

"Today when on our County Council health walk we spotted the clearing team working on removing some very large trees."

Elvet Bridge, which connects the east and the west of the city, has become blocked by washed-up trees on numerous occasions - most recently, last November, a buildup of debris blocked the bridge, leading to the cancellation of some regattas. 

Kevin added: "No, this is not due to any reintroduction of any beavers!"