Anglezarke Reservoir reopens to visitors to enjoy

United Utilities has confirmed that the path around Anglezarke Reservoir will be open to the public again after work on the historical dams.

The engineering works at Heapey Dam were essential to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam, which was first constructed in 1857. 

The major project involved excavating 10m into the wall of the dam and inserting rows of interlocking piles.

Iain Pilling, United Utilities’ Area Engagement Lead for Lancashire, explained: “This is a really popular walk, and we’re delighted to reopen the circular footpath around the reservoir again in time for people enjoying some autumn sunshine.”

Anglezarke Reservoir is the largest in the Rivington chain; it has three dams and a capacity of four million cubic metres, the equivalent of 1,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

At 10m high and 85m long, Heapey Dam provides the embankment at the northern end of the reservoir, and United Utilities said it requires regular maintenance.

Prior to completion, controversial plans to introduce parking charges around the reservoir and also at other several locations around the Rivington Chain.

The proposals formed part of United Utilities’ wider plans to introduce paid parking across the Rivington estate, with the company arguing the move would help fund improvements and protect the area for future generations.

However, the plans sparked significant opposition from residents and campaigners, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition against the scheme.

Campaigners argued the move amounted to the “commercialisation” of Rivington and Anglezarke and conflicted with the historic principles behind Lever Park.

In a statement confirming the decision, United Utilities said it wanted more time to engage with local residents before bringing forward revised proposals.

All United Utilities’ reservoirs and dams undergo regular safety checks and maintenance to ensure their ongoing reliability.