A water company has reassured residents in Bewdley following concerns over "unpleasant" and discoloured water. 

Severn Trent has apologised for any inconvenience to its customers after those in the Bewdley, including the Hales Park and Wyre Hill areas, reported dirty and bad-smelling water coming from their taps. 

The team said it is aware of the small number of customers who have been affected by the issue and they are working hard to identify the cause. 

Severn Trent has also reassured residents that the discolouration is nothing to worry about and is often caused by natural deposits that build up in water pipes over time and get disturbed when there's a change of water flow. 

Residents are being told that the water will usually run clear after running the taps for five to 10 minutes. 

In response to resident concerns, Luke Coles, water networks regional lead at Severn Trent, said: "We are aware that a small number of customers in Bewdley are experiencing discolouration of their tap water and our teams are currently working to identify the cause. 

"The discolouration is a result of harmless natural deposits that build up at the bottom of water pipes over time and are disturbed when there's a change of flow in the water pipe. 

"Whilst it might look a bit unpleasant, it's nothing to worry about and should clear when taps are run for a couple of minutes."

Customers are also advised that it is safe to collect and use discoloured water on any indoor or outdoor plants to avoid it going to waste.  

For more information and advice about brown or orange coloured water visit https://bit.ly/2JUgzOV