The Environment Agency has issued an urgent reminder to residents, landowners and developers in Bassetlaw about the law for carrying out work near main rivers and flood defences.

The warning comes after the Environment Agency has become aware of unauthorised works in the Bassetlaw district in north Nottinghamshire.

These types of works, known as flood risk activities, may need an environmental permit before they can begin.

The environment permitting process ensures that proposed works are not going to increase flood risk or cause other environmental harm.

Officers have visited several sites in the Bassetlaw area where works have been conducted without the right permission.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are encouraging anyone planning work near a river or flood defence to seek advice early.

“People may need an environmental permit before they can begin the work.

“It is a criminal offence to undertake unauthorised flood risk activities and offenders could face an unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment.

“If people have concerns about works being carried out near a river or flood defence they should call our hotline on 0800 807060.”

To find out more or to apply for a permit, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits