CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a landmark from slipping into the River Swale are pinning their hopes on a meeting with the Environment Agency today.

There is concern that water from England's fastest flowing river could undercut a 5m-high bank in the shadow of Richmond's Easby Abbey, eventually putting the remains at risk.

After another section of earth slipped into the river following last week's downpours, the Easby Riverside Restoration Project is claiming there is no time to lose. Project members want to see a stone barrier installed to protect any more soft alluvial soil from being washed downstream.

About £6,000 has already been pledged by the community. Recent subscribers have included the Swaledale Outdoor Club, which has promised £1,000 when work begins, with another £800 expected from last weekend's Swaledale Walking Festival.

So far, neither the Environment Agency nor English Heritage have committed themselves to grants and the Easby Riverside Restoration Project is concerned it might have to find all the cash itself.

An Environment Agency representative is due to visit the site this morning.

Campaigner Brian Robertson said: "It's so frustrating when you look at so much money being thrown at something like the Millennium Dome. In comparison, what we're asking for is a drop in the ocean. It's not as though we're sitting back either. We're happy to do some of the fundraising ourselves. But, without help, it could prove extremely difficult.