WITH the incredible heatwave sending recent temperatures rocketing, you could be forgiven for thinking the River Irvine had been dried out by the sun.

However, the Times can reveal the real reason for the low water levels is a little less dramatic.

It just so happens that the extraordinary sunshine has coincided with work to improve flood defences along a 500 metre stretch of the river in Irvine.

Initial works on an earth wall at Waterside began on Friday, July 19, and has been followed by the main improvement work.

This will continue for approximately two weeks, with the level of the River Irvine lowered throughout the work to allow necessary access for workers.

To lower the levels, council workers just need to open the gates of the weir, a little upstream from the estuary.

This is the ideal time of year to conduct masonry work on the flood defences, as it is least likely to have an effect on the fish population.

The work will take place between 7.30am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday. The road will remain open to the public and no parking restrictions will be put in place.