A licence for dredging to enable an historic 17th century Suffolk tide mill to continue working has been approved by councillors, despite concerns that silt would be deposited in the river Deben.

Woodbridge Town Council accepted assurances from John Carrington, chair of the town's Tide Mill, that 'only a very small amount of silt' would be allowed to wash away down stream during the work, which is set to be carried out in the spring.

River users group Kyson Fairway Committee had written to the council to express concerns the dredging would add to growing layers of sediment on the river bed.

Alan Murray, the committee's chair, questioned whether the licence allowed for the silt to be cleared in that manner.

He said: "Our committee supports the need for the Tide Mill to dredge but strongly opposes the method proposed."

But on Tuesday, the council agreed to the licence, with councillors expressing a wish to ensure that the mill was still able to operate effectively.

Following the meeting, Mr Carrington said: "The Tide Mill trustees are pleased that the town council has approved the licence to dredge the very limited area in the channel from the mill’s wheel."

The dredging, which is set to cost between £5,000 and £6,000, is needed to enable the landmark water mill to continue operating smoothly.

In December, Mr Carrington said while there was no imminent risk the mill would stop working, if the silting was allowed to continue unchecked, eventually the operation of the mill would be affected.

The potential blockage is to the outflow where the water leaves after passing through the mill.

Earlier this week, Woodbridge Mayor Patrick Gillard said the council was aware of the concerns of river users about the silting up of the upper Deben.