FEARS have been raised for the future of rowing and wildlife at a stretch of river following a drop in the water level.

Several years ago a dam was created in the River Wear adjacent to the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, below Durham Cathedral, when an old sluice was blocked up.

It kept the water level at a reasonably high level, allowing the stretch of river to be used for rowing as well as promoting its use by fish and other wildlife.

Now the sluice has opened up again, causing a noticeable drop in the water level and prompting concern for the area's rich animal life.

It has also led to fears for the future of events such as the Durham Regatta, as well as the river's extensive use by rowing clubs and for pleasure boating.

Jamie Robson, manager of the Prince Bishops river cruiser, said: "At the moment, the water level is fine because of all the rain we have had, but last week it was getting very low. The weir acts like a dam and banks the water up, but there's a hole and the water is disappearing.

"If we get two or three weeks of extremely dry weather, the water level would continue to drop.

"If that happens, the people who use the rowing boats would do damage to the boats because they would be running aground all over the place."

A rower and member of the Wildlife Trust, who did not wish to be named, said: "The weir is crucial for everything.

"There are birds and animals that use the river in a certain way. People who care about the river are concern- ed that the level is going down rapidly. Durham City is going to lose out."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "The agency is assessing the situation and looking at whether remedial work needs to be carried out.

"However, before this decision can be made, there are a number of issues we need to consider, including the fact that this is a Grade I listed structure."