THE quality of water in a Fareham river should improve dramatically following the start of a £530,000 environmental scheme.

The Wallington River's protected slow-worms are safe after being housed in their own fenced-off area as they hibernate and work continues.

A construction site has been set up by Southern Water on the banks of the stream at the Gillies allotments site.

The project involves replacing an overflow into the Black Brook Stream, which flows into the river. This operates at times of heavy rain, sending storm water into the watercourse to prevent flooding nearby.

The new overflow has greater capacity and an improved screening system to help protect the stream in line with European water quality standards.

Construction workers have also teamed up with environmentalists to scour the ground for slow-worms, fencing an area of the work site where the creatures are known to hibernate.

Derek Van Rensburg, site manager for contractors Black Veatch/Costain, said: "We had to lift carpets, relocate wood and search through compost heaps to find the slow-worms so we could protect them during the work.

"We are also using small construction equipment on site to avoid any risk of damaging a nearby low railway bridge."

The firm aims to complete the project by spring, so that residents can return to their allotments in time for the growing season.