The first steps towards reinstating the Delf Stream in Sandwich have been made.

Pipeline specialists from water firm On Site have this week conducted a preliminary survey of the ancient man-made stream using CCTV cameras.

The aim to is establish the extent of work required to get the stream - which carried water for hundreds of years into Sandwich - running again.

But already silt and the build up of debris lining the waterway has caused complications.

Cllr John Bragg, chairman of the newly set up Delf Stream working group, said: "They've done the first part of the inspection which has proved it's going to be more difficult because the Delf is in a very poor state.

"There is so much silt and a layer of leaf mould from all the leaves that have fallen over the years. They've been using a sort of sledge with a camera on it to get through.

"The entry of water to the River Stour at Brewery Sluice also isn't working properly. Once this is operational again it will make it easier."

Sandwich Town Council is funding the survey work estimated to cost around £2,500.

A further £7,500 for further exploratory work has been set aside in next year's budget.

Cllr Richard Daw met with the specialists as they conducted their work from Delf House through to the junction of Galliard Street and New Street on Monday.

He said: "The survey thus far has shown where various manholes are in the system and photos have been taken of the pipe work at those points."

The medieval channel was created in the 13th century, believed to be to supply St

Bartholomew’s Hospital with water.

Its source was the fenland at Brooklands near Finglesham and the hamlet of Ham which acted as an undrained reservoir that kept the water flowing into Sandwich.

Once the scale of work required has been identified, councillors say they will consider applying for funding to complete the project.

If the stream is fully restored, they believe it will compliment Sandwich's tourism offer with one idea being to create a Delf walk, leading people to the source.

Cllr Bragg said: "It would be very historical and we think a lot of people would be excited to see it."

The full results of the survey and photographs are expected in the coming weeks.