ANGLERS in Wolsingham are claiming that work to firm up a river bank is affecting their fishing.

David Peart, of Wolsingham Angling Club, says that the scheme, which has been ordered by the Environment Agency to prevent the possibility of two homes collapsing into the River Wear, has curtailed peak time in the angling season.

The work, which has been carried out by Tyneside-based Hellens, has lasted for two weeks - but coincided with a fortnight when trout are most common and Mr Peart said the timing of it has had a major effect and some days has prevented any angling at all.

He said: "We're only a small angling club and we do allow so many visitors. But if somebody visited for a quiet days fishing they would be very disappointed.

"What has upset me is the timing. I'm sure they could have waited. I would have had no problem with the job being done next year. If it had been done during the summer months, it wouldn't have been a problem."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that they had leased the work but were not responsible for the timing.

Russell Hellens, contracts manager of Hellens, said that the work was essential to firm up the bank and safeguard the homes.

He added: "It has been done above board. I have sympathy for the angling club but we're talking about two people's houses here."