Water achievement

Saddleworth’s innovative hydroelectric power scheme has been congratulated by a government minister after winning a prestigious award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Dovestone Hydro - believed to be the first project of its kind in England - won the Community Award in the ICE North-West annual awards - the region’s engineering Oscars.

The Dovestone Reservoir plant generates enough electricity from the reservoir outfall to power 75 houses.

Environment minister Dan Rogerson MP said: “Dovestone Hydro is a groundbreaking project which thoroughly deserves this recognition. Everyone who played a part in Dovestone’s success should be very proud.”

The £516,000 project — funded partly by 160 shareholders and partly by a £220,500 grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs — was completed by a partnership between United Utilities and volunteers from the Saddleworth Community Hydro group.

Alan Butler, North-West regional director of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “Dovestone Hydro is a fantastic achievement and a great example of civil engineering genius.”

Bill Edwards, chairman of Saddleworth Community Hydro, said he was delighted to win: “We hope it will inspire others to use existing infrastructure to expand the use of water power.”