Part of a “collapsing” river bank in Marlow has been branded a “public safety hazard” by an angler who fears someone could hurt themselves if it is not repaired.

Jeff Woodhouse, the secretary of the Thames Valley Angling Association, has slammed the Environment Agency (EA) for not permanently fixing the “dangerous” section downstream of the A404 bridge, also known as Marlow Point, despite complaining about it for four years.

Mr Woodhouse told the Marlow Free Press the EA promised to start repairs “as early as” July last year, to be finished by September.

He said: “When September passed, they then promised to begin work in November. As we approached the New Year, nothing had been done nor showed any signs of commencing.

“The plan was to install stone gabions at the front of the bank and build it up to a level that anglers could use together with some steps, as is the case further upstream.

“The river bank here is owned by the Environment Agency and it is their duty to maintain it for the safety of the public.

“Many people, walkers and children, use this once pretty area in summer for picnics as well as angling interests.

“The holes and collapsed bank supports are a hazard to public safety.”

But the EA has insisted it has taken steps to stop people from using that section by installing temporary fencing and warning signs to prevent access and warn people about the “unsafe” bank on three occasions, saying “unfortunately these have been removed by members of the public”.

Spokesman Elisa Orchard said the signs and fencing were put back up on July 17.

She added: “The work to repair the banks at Marlow Point have been tendered for and contract awarded last week.

“We were unable to complete the project last year due to uncertainties over funding which extended into autumn and took us beyond the time at which field work could safely commence.

“This work is going to fully repair the holes in the banks and reinforce the river side of Marlow Point.”

She said works would start in August to finish before the winter.

Mr Woodhouse said: “The fencing they installed was so easily bent – it wasn’t long before they were taken down.

“It was a flimsy bit of work and it wasn’t meant to do anything.

“They have told me about the work starting in August too but I will only believe it when I see it start.

“It is a popular spot and it’s so dangerous – I’ve been complaining for so many years.

“It seems such a shame. If anyone fell down that hole they could break their leg or a hip.”