WORK has begun on mud banks that should provide basic protection to homes threatened by flooding.

Workmen moved into West Auckland yesterday, where they will create temporary flood banks, about 1m high, from mud dredged from the River Gaunless.

The Environment Agency estimates that permanent flood defences cannot be constructed before next winter, because of the lengthy process of designing proposals and getting approval.

Wear Valley District Councillor Sonny Douthwaite said he hoped that the work would give local residents some peace of mind.

The area came close to being flooded last month and, in June, many homes were under several feet of water.

Coun Douthwaite met Environment Agency officials to show them the river's danger spots during a recent site visit.

He said: "The area was devastated in the summer and we've had a few dangers since then, so we have to work very, very hard to stop it happening again.

"Peace of mind is what we want for the people."

Wear Valley District Council is working in conjunction with the Environment Agency and intends to start its own work on temporary flood protection in South Church at the end of this week.

Measures will include increasing the height of mud banks created during the last heavy rainfall