Severn Trent has revealed plans to create a new wetland in Cinderford, with the hopes it will support healthier waterways and boost biodiversity in the area.

The water company is teaming up with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to transform a patch of land near its treatment works and turn it into a new wetland for the local community.

This new addition to the area will create healthier conditions for Cinderford Brook and a new habitat for local wildlife.

Shannon Currall, community communications officer at Severn Trent, said: "We're really excited to start work on creating a new wetland in Cinderford, which will bring huge benefits for the local community. Wetlands are great because they naturally create healthier conditions for rivers, instead of concrete and chemicals.

"It represents a major boost for the environment too. This new wetland will improve the habitat for local wildlife, helping us to deliver on commitments we made last year as part of our Great Big Nature Boost, where we pledged to help revive 5,000 hectares of land and restore 2,000km of rivers by 2030."

Work on the new wetland is expected to begin in the summer, with initial groundwork and site investigations beginning this week, lasting for approximately one month.

Ms Currall added: "Some customers may notice increased activity in the area, especially on Forest Vale Road and Valley Road, which may be busier than normal. This is just so we can prepare the site and carry out our investigations before work begins.

"We'll do our absolute best to keep any disruption to a minimum and we'd like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding."