Essential work shuts Dovestone path

RURAL properties bordering Dovestone Reservoir, Greenfield, will be connected to mains drinking water following work which started yesterday.

Essential work to lay a new water main means United Utilities will have to close a well-used footpath near the water’s edge to allow workmen to operate.

And visitors to the popular Saddleworth beauty spot are being encouraged to try out some different trails while the work is carried out.

Signs will tell walkers the footpath along the north side of the reservoir, between the Dovestone embankment and the Yeoman Hey embankment, will be closed for six weeks.

John Nock, United Utilities project manager, said: “We know regular visitors come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the walks at Dovestone and they can still do that.

“Most of the footpaths are not affected, and there are alternative trails on the north side of the reservoir which mean ramblers can still do a complete circuit of the lake.”

The new water main is part of a five-year £3.6 billion scheme to improve the region’s drinking water and environment. The project is due to be completed in 2015.