EARTH works being completed by the ancient Monnow Bridge has left the river bank inaccessible to many wishing to feed the ducks and the swans.

The work was done on behalf of Natural Resources Wales.

They have confirmed it was done as part of their annual maintenance work done along the Monnow River to reduce flood risk to the people and businesses in Monmouth.

Rob Lane, team leader from Natural Resources Wales said: “We have removed a build-up of silt from around the bridge as part of our annual maintenance work to reduce flood risk to the people and businesses in Monmouth.

“The silt is stored temporarily on river bank to allow it to drain off.  

“This also allows any invertebrates to migrate back into the river.

“The silt will be removed in due course and the site restored to its former condition.”