MAJOR works to repair the 200-year-old reservoirs at Earlswood Lakes are underway.
The Canal and River Trust have started the £1.6million programme of improvements to ensure the reservoirs are compliant with legislation on March 29.
The lakes at Earlswood consist of three reservoirs – Terry’s Pool, Windmill Pool and Engine Pool – built in the early 19th century to supply water to the Stratford Canal.
The trust have temporarily lowered the water level in Terry’s Pool by one metre and up to two and a half metres in Windmill Pool and Engine Pool to allow its engineering contractor Kier, to safely access the reservoirs.
The works, which are due to be completed by the beginning of November, will repair erosion damage along the dams in Engine and Windmill pools, raising and improving the core of the main dam to improve its resilience during floods and installing new drainage within the embankment of the main dam.
A number of car parks, footpaths and roads will be closed while the works are completed.
John Ward, head of project delivery for the Canal and River Trust, says: “From time to time we need to carry out repairs and maintenance to our reservoirs.
“The reservoirs at Earlswood are 200 years old, and these statutory works are necessary by law, under the Reservoirs
Act.
“It is important that the Trust does this work so that people can continue to use and enjoy the lakes and local waterways.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to local residents, the sailing club, angling club and other visitors to the reservoirs.
“We know how important Earlswood Lakes are to local people, for wildlife, recreation, health and wellbeing. Our aim is complete the works as efficiently and safely as possible, minimising disruption to people and wildlife.
“Canal and River Trust ecologists have been involved in the planning of the works to ensure the impact on wildlife and the local environment is minimised.
“These works will ensure the reservoirs are fit for purpose and comply with the latest reservoir legislation, so they can continue to provide benefits for people and wildlife for many years to come.”
Since March 29 the following has been closed:
Wood Lane Car Park
The Sailing Club on Windmill Pool
Angling on Terry’s, Engine and Windmill pools
From April 13 the following will close:
Windmill Pool footpath on the right bank down from Valley Road
Engine Pool footpath from Valley Road to Malthouse Lane Park, including Wood Lane footpath of Engine Pool
From April 19 the following will close:
The causeway road on Malthouse Lane between Engine and Windmill Pools
Valley Road between the junction at Wood Lane and the B4102 Shutt Lane junction
