Wildlife priority in store plan

Developers of a proposed new Tesco in Stourport could be asked to create otter tunnels and other wildlife haunts near the River Stour if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

The supermarket project includes plans for a "wildlife corridor" along the section of the river closest to the former Carpets of Worth factory site in Severn Road.

It would be created by restoring a natural slope by the bank and planting appropriate vegetation and trees to help protect the habitats of different mammals and birds and boost species numbers.

Planning officers at Wyre Forest District Council are recommending that if councillors give the plans the thumbs up at a special meeting on Tuesday, the retail giant is asked to provide a number of other provisions for local wildlife.

Surveys carried out by the developers during the past years have revealed evidence of otter activity in and around the River Stour, which is considered a Special Wildlife Site.

Although there were no sightings of any otter dens, called holts, it is believed they regularly use the section of the Stour for feeding and travelling.

Different bird species have also been spotted around the riverside, including Song Thrush and although no Kingfishers have been seen some sections of the river bank are said to be "highly suitable" as nesting sites.

Conservationists recommend measures to support breeding otters and water voles and encourage roosting opportunities for bats.

They include helping otters by building special tunnels and underpasses either side of the nearby bridge as well as providing swales and hollows.

Improvements to prevent any "adverse impact" on bats in the area include minimising light spillage from the development, planting up gaps in the vegetation along the river bank and providing bat boxes.