A BID to turn a 30-acre are of scrubland in Cherry Orchard into a community feature has been backed by Worcester City Council.

The council cabinet last night endorsed a plan to turn the site, south of the Diglis basin on the edge of the River Severn, into a local nature reserve. The area is populated by scrub, trees and grasslands and is home to a variety of wildlife species.

With the council's support the reserve, the sixth in the city, will be able to benefit from funding from English Nature.

"This area was formerly used as a tip and now we see the land being recovered and used for the benefit of the citizens of Worcester," said Coun Martin Clarke.

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams said as a newcomer to the city he felt insufficient use had been made of the river and canal frontage. He was pleased that was being changed.

"I think this sort of natural area and nature reserve adds a piquancy to the whole frontage," said Coun Mackenzie-Williams.