Water bosses revise lake plans

Hollingworth Lake.

United Utilities has revised plans for a £1.25million improvement scheme at Hollingworth Lake following concerns raised from lake users.

The original planning application included a 9ft tall valve tower near to the lake embankment. However, engineers have now found a way to house some of the new equipment in an existing operations building on the other side of Rakewood Road, so the new structure can be much smaller.

United Utilities is also keen to use natural stone for cladding the new building to help it fit in to the surroundings

Matthew Upton, United Utilities project coordinator, said: "We've been talking and listening to various groups who have an interest in the lake and what came back very clearly was concern about the visual appearance of the new valve house structure.

"So we've taken another look at the plans and I'm pleased to say we've been able to make some changes that will very much reduce the size of the new structure."

The water levels in the lake will need to be kept to around 2m below top level to allow access for the building work throughout the scheme.

Mr Upton, added: "While a lot depends on rainfall, we’ll do everything we can to keep water levels just low enough to do the work but high enough to minimise the impact on lake activities.”

Littleborough and Lakeside Councillor Stephanie Mills, who is a member of the Friends of Hollingworth Lake group, said the group is “really pleased” with the revised plans.

She added: “It is going to be a lot nicer.”

The improvement work at the 200-year-old reservoir is to ensure the water levels can be drawn down quickly in the event of heavy rainfall or in an emergency situation.

It is hoped that the work can begin this autumn and will take around four months to complete.

An exhibition about the scheme will go on display to the public from next week.

The Hollingworth Lake visitor centre will host the exhibition of the revised plans which will be available for people to see from Monday 22 August. Members of the United Utilities project team will be there on the day between 2.00pm – 7.00pm to discuss the proposals and answer any questions. The exhibition will then remain in place for several more weeks.

Mr Upton concluded: “We're keen to take local views into account, so I hope people will take the opportunity to come and see the new proposals and talk through any ideas or concerns.”