NATURAL conservation will be one of the issues under consideration when a Worcester riverside co-ordinating team is created.

The team, to be known as R7,will look at how to manage the River Severn, and will address key issues such as tourism, walking and cycling.

A final report of how to maximise the river's attraction to residents and visitors was made public at the latest meeting of Worcester City Council's community services policy and review committee.

Councillor Paul Denham said the river was a major attraction for people visiting Worcester.

"Given its unusual flora and fauna, we should make the most of it and value what we have," said Coun Susan Askin, who supported his view.

A report to the committee suggested creating a riverside team, consisting of Worcester City council officers, partners and councillors to look at how to manage the Severn.

It proposed that a chief officer was needed to lead the team.

Coun Roger Berry said Worcester's riverside was "a little gem."

Chairman, Coun Adrian Gregson said he would like to recommend the report by Coun Gareth Jones to the cabinet and the committee approved.

After the meeting, Coun Jones said financing was needed to help improve the river, its pathways and cycleways.

"There's a footpath to the swing bridge at Diglis which needs updating," he said.

"There's a step near there which needs levelling as people in a wheelchair or mums with prams would find it hard to get down there.

"Something like that could be funded under a highways maintenance budget."

In March, the Evening News reported how two officers and two councillors toured the west and the east banks of the river between Sabrina Bridge and Gheluvelt Park to produce an action plan for improvements.

Litter and overflowing dog bins were two of the problems highlighted in the working party's findings.