FARMERS and residents in Harbridge have been left reeling after the Environment Agency claimed it consulted with them six years ago before it began restoration work on the River Avon.

The people of Harbridge refute the claim saying they knew nothing of the works until diggers moved onto the land close to North End Farm.

Harbridge resident Nick Haynes said: “The ‘experimental works’ currently being undertaken by the Environment Agency for a six figure sum will actually increase flooding.

“The agency has lied. They claim to have consulted locally about these works and both Desmond Swayne, Harbridge and Ibsley Parish Council and the local residents of Harbridge can confirm that they have not.

“We have seen no plans or proposals regarding these works and no consultation process has ever been entered into.”

Mr Haynes added: “Lastly the effect on myself and my family has been devastating. The unexpected and announced works have led to injuries to two of our competition horses. Vets bills, extra feed costs and my wife being unable to work have left us out of pocket in the region of £2,000.”

And Ibsley and Harbridge parish councillor Patrick Webster said the project for the river near North End Farm was never discussed in 2009 nor advertised.

Environment Agency contractors are working on a section of the chalk stream, a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) to enhance the river - reconnecting it to the floodplain and to align the channel.

In a letter to Nick Gupta of the Environment Agency, Mr Webster wrote: “I well recall the two consultation meetings at Dinton Village Hall to discuss the River Avon Restoration Plan in the summer months of 2009 but I do not recall any specific project planned for North End Farm area of the river.

“Should there not have been a notice put up in Harbridge to give warning of this operation as required? The only local consultation I know of with regard to this project was with anglers but would it not have been a good idea to let residents at Harbridge know that five cranes and diggers would be working for up to six weeks in the area with gravel lorries using the narrow Churchfield lane?”

Residents claim the work being undertaken could cause more flooding and is detrimental to wildlife.

Mr Webster added: “The water meadows system was introduced into the Avon Valley long, long ago and through the flooding of the meadows in winter and drying out in the rest of the year, the right conditions were obtained for a good hay crop followed by the grazing of cattle and sheep, as well as ideal habitat for nesting and overwintering waders, ducks, geese and swans.

“Now, however,with high water levels in the river due to the halting of the weed cutting and the lack of clearance of ditches and water carriers, damp loving plants have moved into the meadows at the expense of the native grasses, resulting in a hay crop of low nutritional value and poor grazing.”