Repairs to anti-erosion measures along the River Thames in Oxford have been hailed a success.
Work has been carried out on patches of willow stakes woven into the river bank near Abbey Road to form a barrier.
The city council, Environment Agency and county council spent £60,000 in November 1999 to fit the willow instead of the normal metal spiling, which would have cost £300,000.
However, problems continued and parts of the bank and towpath began slipping away in spring 2002.
The city council agreed to pay £10,000 for repairs to be carried out this March after staff from the parks department found the willow had not been properly maintained.
The council refused a £5,000 maintenance plan offered by Waterside UK, which fitted the willow.
Osney and Jericho councillor Susanna Pressel said the scheme was now working.
She said: "It's still early days, but things look to have been a success.
"It seems to be holding back the currents and, hopefully, it will be strong enough by winter to withstand the bad weather.
"I still believe this was a better, more attractive option than ugly metal spiling."
Clanfield-based Waterside UK said the strengthening would continue to work as long as the willow was properly maintained.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article