A MIDLAND river once famed for the rainbow-coloured dyes that flowed into it from nearby carpet manufacturing units has been named one of the most improved waterways in the country.

A generation ago, heavy pollution had taken its toll on the River Stour, in Worcestershire, turning it into a virtually lifeless river.

Pesticides used for moth-proofing carpets had wiped out many of the waterborne bugs that fish depend on for food.

And urbanisation and an out of date sewage system did little to help the pollution problem.

But the river was transformed after the Environment Agency worked alongside Wyre Forest District Council, Severn Trent Water, the Wildlife Trust and retailers.

Water quality has improved so much that wildlife, such as salmon and otters, have returned.

The River Stour has now been named one of the Environment Agency’s ten most improved rivers.

The recognition has been given to waterways across the country that have shrugged off their industrial past to become havens for wildlife, walkers and anglers once again.

Ian Barker, head of land and water at the Environment Agency, said: “Work that we have done with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce the amount of water taken from rivers, minimise pollution and improve water quality is really paying off.

“Britain’s rivers are the healthiest for over 20 years and otters, salmon and other wildlife are returning for the first time since the industrial revolution.

“But there is still more to be done and we have plans to transform a further 9,500 miles of rivers in England and Wales by 2015 – the equivalent of the distance between the UK and Australia.”

The transformation of the rivers has been achieved thanks to thousands of habitat improvement projects, tighter regulation of polluting industries and work with farmers, businesses and water companies.

River habitats have also benefited from reductions in the volume of water taken by water companies, farmers and industry.