THE return of otters to the River Stour in Kidderminster has been hailed by Environment Minister Michael Meacher.

The Minister singled out the clean-up efforts made on the Stour at the announcement of the river quality indicators for 2000.

He said the river had a history of pollution problems, linked to the local carpet trade - including discoloration by wool dye and discharges of pesticides, organic matter, solids and grease.

And, despite significant improvements made by the carpet industry, as recently as 1995 most of the Stour was still classed as having "poor chemical quality".

But Mr Meacher revealed that huge improvements had been made in the past five years.

This has allowed types of fish and mammals that have been absent from the river for decades to return.

"Surveys undertaken in 2001 have revealed that otters have returned to the river," he said.

"That is a very clear sign of water quality.

"In addition, surveys of fish stocks have shown major improvements over the last decade with both trout and, very recently, salmon recorded in the river, together with eels and at least 10 species of coarse fish."

Since 1995 the average ammonia concentrations in the river have been reduced by between 60 and 90 per cent.

The 9.5km of river upstream of Stourbridge has improved to "good" chemical quality due to sewerage improvements and pollution prevention initiatives.

Some 15.5km of river downstream of Stourbridge has improved to "fair" quality. The 8km beyond that has improved to "fairly good chemical quality" due to the upgrading of sewage-treatment works and the removal of a number of storm sewer overflows.

Overall, 94 per cent of rivers in England were of good or fair chemical and biological quality in 2000 - which is up 3 per cent on the previous year.

"These results show the Government is serious about providing cleaner, better quality environment for everyone to enjoy," added Mr Meacher.

"The billions we are investing on improving river quality is delivering success."