PLANS are in motion to recreate the original waterwheel at a 13th century mill in Kidderminster.

The project, which will see the Broadwaters mill lit up at night using water power, has been made possible thanks to a £5,000 grant from Biffa.

Vice-chairman of the Friends of Broadwaters, Mike Shellie, was delighted plans were finally underway to recreate a smaller version of the original waterwheel.

He has been campaigning to restore the waterwheel, in Broadwaters Park, for the past three years.

He said: "I'm keen to see the watermill restored and for it to serve a purpose by generating power from water.

"This would run the lights and a micro irrigation system would be set up on a timer to water the hanging baskets. Everyone who has been told about it thinks it's a wonderful idea."

Mr Shellie is also keen to involve local schools in the restoration of the waterwheel, set to have a 12ft diameter and be 4ft wide.

He added: "Schools will have an input. If we give the children the dimensions and the water output they will be able to work out the horsepower of the wheel. The older ones may also get the chance to assemble the wheel on site.

"I think if the youngsters appreciate what is around them then they tend to look after it more."

There has been a mill on the Broadwaters Pool since the 13th century but the main building was demolished in the early part of the 20th century.

The restoration of the waterwheel is part of an on-going restoration project by the Friends of Broadwaters, made up of councillors and residents.

The Broadwaters park contains a large pond, stream and wetland area, various flower beds, a sensory garden, picnic benches and an old mill building.