PLANS to re-route the River Colne and create a haven for wildlife at Waterfields Recreation Ground have been unveiled by the Environment Agency.

The project would lure back fish, insects and birds to the stretch of river, which currently runs alongside Stephenson Way, and create a pleasant green space for locals to enjoy, according to its co-ordinators.

Funding for a scheme to enhance the area was one of the planning conditions imposed in 1999 when permission was granted to build a bridge leading to the nearby Tesco supermarket.

A total of £100,000 is available to spend on improving the area after a legal agreement known as a section 106 agreement was drawn up with developers Lancaster Holdings, Tesco and Watford Council.

But time is running out to carry out the work needed to complete the project, as the money must be spent within five years.

Initial plans for the area were rejected by the council, but a revised scheme was unveiled at the Central Area Committee meeting on Monday, July 1.

It would involve re-aligning the river so it meanders through open space.

Soft, gently sloping banks would be planted with reeds to provide a habitat for water-loving birds and mammals.

The river bed would be landscaped with shallow areas and deeper pools.

New trees and shrubs will be planted to screen the road and ugly motorway bridge with some of the existing tree cut down to open up the area and create views.

Species that conservationists hope will return to the area include butterflies, dragonflies and fish such as the barbel and gudgeon. Moorhens, which have all but deserted the area, would return and the changes could encourage water voles, in decline across the country, to make the park their home.

Residents expressed concern that re-routing the river could increase the risk of flooding.

Engineering consultant Mr Andy Pepper denied it posed a threat to nearby properties.

He said there was less than one per cent chance of extensive floods, such as those that hit the region in 2000, occurring again.

He said: "From the information we have the recreation ground is not at a high risk."

But he added a study to be carried out in the autumn would assess the need for flood defences.

If the council approves the project, the team hope to start work this autumn. The work would be carried out in stages. First the new channel would be dug with earth piled up in three places.

The river would then be allowed to run into it and for a time would run along both courses before the old route is blocked. Earth from the new channel will be used to fill in the old channel.

July 5, 2002 13:30