A RIVER boat operator has added his voice to a debate over alleged falling levels of a popular stretch of water around a cathedral city.

Rowers recently raised concern for water pastimes and wildlife after claiming that the level of the River Wear has apparently been dropping recently around the Durham cathedral and castle peninsula.

One rower and local wildlife trust member, said water levels appeared to have lowered as a result of the opening of an old sluice on a weir, which runs across the river near the Old Fulling Mill Museum.

The blockage of the sluice had previously created a dam-like effect for many years.

Oarsmen and women, and nature lovers fear the river could reach a dangerously low level if there was a dry period of several weeks.

Jamie Robson, who runs Durham's Prince Bishop river cruiser, said he also believes the level of the river has dropped noticeably.

"It's considerably lower than it would normally be at this time of year. I'm not certain, but there are some indications it could be the sluice gates. It's something for the Environment Agency to investigate."

The Environment Agency is assessing the situation and considering if remedial work can be carried out around the sluice, but a spokesman said: "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.