A £2 million maintenance project is set to begin at Anglezarke Reservoir's Heapey Dam.

The engineering works are essential for the safety of the dam, which was built in 1857 near Rivington.

Heapey Dam is one of three dams at Anglezarke Reservoir, the largest in the Rivington chain, with a capacity of four million cubic metres.

The dam is 10 metres high and 85 metres long, providing the embankment at the northern end of the reservoir.

Iain Pilling, United Utilities’ area engagement lead for Lancashire, said: "All our reservoirs and dams undergo regular safety checks and maintenance to ensure their ongoing reliability.

"In the case of Heapey Dam, we have identified some maintenance work within the dam wall, and it is important we undertake this as quickly as possible."

The work will begin in early December and is expected to be completed in May 2025.

(Image: Google Maps)

During this time, a section of Moor Road will be closed to vehicles, walkers, and cyclists.

A signed diversion via the southern end of the reservoir will be in place.

Mr Pilling said: "As we also have other works planned for the future, we are bringing these forward so we can combine it all together to minimise disruption.

"Carrying out all of this work is complex and requires some significant excavations which means we need to close a section of Moor Road while this work is carried out.

"We understand roadworks are frustrating and we are sorry that we need to close the road for all users.

"We will work closely with the local community to minimise the disruption.

"Bringing forward our other maintenance work means we are only closing the road once and will be able to get it re-opened as soon as possible."