AN EAST Lancashire reservoir which provides a vital supply of water to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal will shortly undergo a £3m upgrade to ensure it remains resilient to climate change and continues to meet safety standards.
The Canal & River Trust project will involve essential maintenance to strengthen Rishton Reservoir, near Rishton, and increase the capacity of the spillway to enable it to hold more water run-off in storm events. New access bridges will be installed as well as a new and improved access track to the site.
During the construction phase the water levels in the reservoir will be reduced to facilitate the work.
Jon Horsfall, North West director at Canal & River Trust, said: “Rishton Reservoir, like much of our historic network, needs ongoing maintenance and upgrading to meet present-day standards. The £3m works are necessary to ensure the reservoir can be used for many years to come, supplying the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with water so it can continue to be a vital habitat for nature and a route for boaters, as well as safeguarding the local communities.”
Built around 1829 by canal company engineer James Fletcher, the supply of water from Rishton Reservoir is important to keep boats navigating on the canal and to sustain the wildlife which today lives in and along the trans-Pennine former trade route.
Civil engineering company JN Bentley Ltd has been commissioned for the works, which started in March and are due to be completed by the end of the year. Rishton is one of 71 large reservoirs managed by CRT.
A significant programme of investment in these reservoirs is under way to make sure they stay resilient to climate change and comply with the strict legislation that applies to all large reservoirs.
