A project to refurbish the sluice gate at Pulteney Weir would not guarantee Bath protection against floods, the Environment Agency has said.

The agency intends to spend £2.5m refurbishing the gate, which forms part of the Bath flood defence scheme built in the early 1970s.

Environment Agency spokesman Ben Woodhouse said: "On rivers we build flood defences to protect people living alongside, but sometimes a storm comes about which tests them to the limit.

"Sooner or later the storm comes that we can't avoid we live with that threat every day."

Mr Woodhouse describes flooding as a natural phenomenon that Bathonians need to prepare for.

He said: "The River Avon is at its highest in 40 years. Flooding is a natural phenomenon and as a society we can prepare for it.

"Anywhere alongside a river is vulnerable people in Bradford on Avon will be aware of this. People's awareness generally is very, very low."

Mr Woodhouse said the recent flood was the first to hit Bath in 40 years, and he said the number of homes affected by the water was tens and not thousands.

Bath Sports and Leisure Centre was forced to close because of flood damage in the plant room and pupils at Batheaston Primary School were told to stay home for three days.

The exact nature of the Environment Agency's scheme to refurbish the sluice gate and weir area has not been decided and the agency is consulting Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Mr Woodhouse said that whatever happened the city's flood defences would be improved.

He said: "Work has already been done to improve Twerton Gate replacement gates have been installed the defences along the Avon will be protected, and we will upkeep them whatever happens."

B&NES spokesman Julia Dean said the new Pulteney Gate scheme was still far off and talks needed to take place.

She said: "Before anything happens we will consult focus groups, including English Heritage, and need to look into planning permission."

Bathonians have been advised to stay alert in case of further flooding.

Ms Dean said: "We are not relaxing yet."

Mr Woodhouse said development in low-lying areas may explain why some Bath sites have flooded and he described it as 'authorities taking a calculated risk'.

He said: "We calculate the risk of Bath flooding is once every 150 years, and local authorities have to balance other considerations when building."

The weir, island and concrete deck over the sluice are owned by B&NES and the sluice itself is owned by the Environment Agency.

The original design for Pulteney Weir was referred to the Royal Fine Arts Commission because of its highly prominent position within a world heritage site.

If the scheme is to go ahead The Environment Agency requires a £30,000 input from B&NES, which the council will not give without public backing, said Ms Dean.

She said: "We would not pay any money until planning permission is given, and we want to know what local people think of it."