A WETLAND nature reserve for birds and wildlife is to be created near Port Clarence.

The nature reserve will not only provide a home for national and internationally-protected birds but will also help alleviate flooding problems for local people.

The nature reserve, alongside an existing Site of Special Scientific Interest, has been granted planning permission by Stockton Borough Council.

Landscaping, tree planting, the construction of footpaths and bird hides, will go into the development of the wetland reserve.

It is also hoped that a visitors' centre and car park will eventually be constructed.

The 270-hectare site, north of Port Clarence, is mainly owned by English Partnerships, but a small part is owned by the council.

A council spokesman said: "Overall, the land is largely unused and includes an element of derelict land as well as land used for grazing.

"Other parts include established water features such as a large subsidence pool to the north west, and Saltholme pools to the east, which is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest."

Part of the work will alleviate flooding problems for the local community by stabilising water levels to create reed beds, woodlands and grassland areas.

It is hoped the new habitats will encourage more species of birds to come to the area.

Although permission has been granted for building work on the site, the area will be left alone at certain times of the year to allow existing birds to breed and nest at the site.

Before work begins, there will be an archaeological investigation as Tees Archaeology believes the area contains remains from the prehistoric, medieval and industrial ages which may be of interest.

A council spokesman said: "The development will serve a number of important and inter-related functions.

"It will enable work to begin on establishing the nature reserve, which has been awaited for some years, while at the same time helping to protect and enhance existing nationally and internationally important bird and wildlife habitats.

"Furthermore, it will help relieve flooding problems in the area."