A FLOOD storage reservoir designed to protect houses in Worcestershire is now being constructed.

The first part of the Environmental Agency's Kidderminster Flood Alleviation Scheme is underway to help prevent flooding for 129 houses.

The storage area is being constructed upstream of the Crossley Retail Park. It extends up to the Wolverley Road, running next to the canal to the east and up to Beaulieu Close to the west.

The reservoir, which is expected to be complete by December, will hold back any floodwater coming along the River Stour, releasing it slowly to protect properties downstream.

"This scheme has many benefits for Kidderminster," said Emma Smailes, Environment Agency project manager. "It will help protect people from flooding and, in the long term, will play a part in plans for a new country park."

English Nature is backing the environmental advantages for the scheme as nearby Puxton and Stourvale marshes, sites of Special Scientific Interest, are believed to be drying out.

The leading charity believes the reservoir would provide the opportunity to raise groundwater level in the marshes and improve the quality of life for marsh plants, birds and insects.