WITH work well under way on a new housing development in Diglis, homebuilder Bryant Homes is asking local people to search drawers and cupboards for old photos or documents that could be used to help illustrate a history of the site.

Bryant started work on Diglis Water in August 2005 and the marketing suite opened its doors in March of this year. The site's rich heritage is one of the things that attracts people to both live there and enjoy visiting the public spaces.

Now the firm plans to use any information it gets to build on an exhibition of the basin's past. When work on the new homes is complete it aims to have a permanent display that will explain how the area has developed over the years.

Stephen Cleveley, senior sales manager for Bryant, said: "We have already been in touch with local historian Clive Haynes who has helped us out from his collection of pictures.

"We would really like to add historical documents, business ledgers, goods tickets and people's own photos of Diglis, to help create a display. The information could also possibly be used in packs for schoolchildren to learn from in the future."

Worcester photographer and historian Clive Haynes said: "Despite having some material already, there is almost certainly more memorabilia sitting around peoples homes.

"Please dig out those old shoe boxes full of paper and see if you can help us bring more local heritage back to life.

"Since the basin was first dug as part of the Worcester and Birmingham canal around 1811, the area has been a busy and productive part of the city. It will have created plenty of historical documentation, which will help bring an interpretive display to life."

Anyone donating material will be credited as well as being invited to the VIP opening of the exhibition.

People with any historical information should contact Ian Dutton on 0121 355 3446. For further information on Diglis Water, visit the marketing suite on Diglis Dock Road, which is open daily between 9.30am and 5pm, call 01905 351430 or log on to www.bryant.co.uk/digliswater.