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An otter at a sealife sanctuary, but they could soon become a common site on the River Lea

A LEG up in the conservation stakes will be given to otters when mini-ladders are built for them on the banks of the Lea Navigation canal It is hoped that otters will be attracted from up-river areas such as Waltham Abbey to parts of Leyton and Stratford in the proposed Olympics regeneration sites.

The work is being carried out by the Lea Rivers Conservation Trust (LRCT) and is funded with cash from landfill tax donated by BIFFA.

Mark Gallant, LRCT officer, said: "We are hoping that if we encourage the otters further along the Lea it may lead them to link up with the populations in the Roedean via the Thames."

"I think we will cover the ladders with mud to make them blend in better with their surroundings and also to stop people from using them."

Pollution levels in the Lea rivers, including the Navigational, have improved in recent years, but there continues to be a problem with flytipping.

Mr Gallant said: "I think the otters would be able to survive in the water as there have been considerable improvements. The regeneration of the area should help the area overall but we hope it doesn't disturb the wildlife."

Rumours that people poach the birds, including swans, have also been doing the rounds.

10:38am Thursday 11th August 2005

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