United Utilities put a stop to triathlon event at Hollingworth Lake

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Hollingworth Lake

United Utilities have put a stop to a triathlon event that was being organised by the Pennine Business and Tourism Forum to celebrate the Tour De France.

The forum had hoped to organise a triathlon event, which would use Hollingworth Lake for the swim, but United Utilities have changed their policy and will not allow swimming events in their lakes and reservoirs.

Rochdale Online Director, John Kay, Chairman of the Pennine Business and Tourism Forum, said: “United Utilities will not let Rochdale hold a triathlon at Hollingworth Lake even though the lease of the Lake to Rochdale Council expressly provides for such use. This is a bit like cancelling the Boat Race in case someone from Oxford or Cambridge was to fall in.”

The event was due to be arranged as part of the group’s ongoing plans to celebrate the Tour De France passing through.

“There are only three established triathlons in Greater Manchester and if Littleborough could establish such an event it would become an annual fixture which would not only create a 'legacy' from the Tour De France but would bring thousands of pounds to local businesses,” added John.

United Utilities won’t allow the event to take place due to safety precautions.

Polly Rourke, from United Utilities, said: “We have taken the difficult decision to ban all swimming activities at our reservoirs, even large well organised events. We have a legal and moral duty to protect the public by raising awareness of the dangers of swimming in our waters. Two people have drowned in our reservoirs in just the last year and we cannot risk giving out mixed safety messages.”

The change to the policy prevents the use of any of the company’s reservoirs for swimming events.

Rochdale Council has been contacted by United Utilities to amend their lease of the Lake to reflect the change of policy.