WORK to improve the condition of the River Itchen near Winchester has been stirring controversy.

Some local residents have been concerned about the amount of chalk being dropped into the river, causing the usually clear streams to turn a milky white.

“Tipping chalk into a special area for conservation, the highest designation, is not a good idea. The trout are spawning,” said a nearby resident, who asked not to be named.

But Natural England, which is overseeing work at East Lodge, near Twyford, denied there was a problem.

Rue Ekins, its conservation adviser, said: “The work at East Lodge is showing massive improvements in the condition of the river. There has been some minor liberation of chalk fines but no further chalk will be placed in the river and measures are in place to prevent any further release of sediment.

“Following a meeting on site and discussions with the Environment Agency, we are happy for this work to continue.”

The work is intended to improve the quality of the natural habitat.

Ms Ekins added: “Salmon and trout have already moved in and are prospecting for spawning sites, which are now extensive as a result of the importation of large quantities of good gravel to improve and raise the bed of the river. There needs to be a fast and energetic flow of water to provide clean gravel for spawning, which is exactly what we are creating.”