Restoration Repairs Reach Halfway Point.
Winterburn Reservoir, which opened 130 years ago this month and was the last significant Victorian construction project on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, is at the halfway point of a three-month programme of essential maintenance works carried out by us.
More extreme weather
The work comes at a time when we are facing challenges from more extreme weather, driven by a changing climate, affecting the ageing infrastructure, and from a recently announced cut in future funding from the government.
Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Pennine Lancashire, the reservoir officially opened in August 1893. Today, it is a major supply of water for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – the UK's longest single canal - and is a valuable green open space for people and wildlife.
Restoration works to the Grade II Listed reservoir, which will keep it in working order, is supported thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery. Skilled stonemasons have cleaned the spillway flight by removing vegetation, deteriorated masonry and grouting. Work has begun on replacing stonework and repointing using traditional lime mortar. The vital repairs are due to complete by the end of September and build on major works undertaken at Winterburn Reservoir in 1995 to bring it in line with modern safety standards.
An important supply of water
Stuart Sutherland, our project manager who is overseeing the programme of works, explained: “Our reservoirs feed our canals and maintain water levels along the inland waterways, a function that is proving increasingly important as we face the challenge of climate change. Winterburn Reservoir is an important supply of water for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and is remaining in operational use throughout the restoration programme.”
“It is a careful balance to maintain the historic integrity of this 130 years old asset to withstand the demands of the 21st Century. While skilled stonemasons apply traditional lime mortaring techniques that would have been used in construction of the reservoir, we are employing the latest innovations to lower our carbon footprint and reduce our onsite disruption with clamp-on platforms to carry out works (in place of scaffolding) and bringing in solar-powered welfare units.”
Celebrating 130 years
Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: "It's fantastic to see the support of our players making a real difference in our communities, helping to protect important projects like the Winterburn reservoir. Players have raised more than £18 million awarded by Postcode Earth Trust to support and foster the conservation of our canals and waterways.
“The ongoing restoration progress at Winterburn Reservoir, as it celebrates its 130th anniversary protects its legacy and demonstrates the commitment in safeguarding our heritage.”
Both Barrowford and Winterburn reservoirs were built in the 19th Century in response to a series of droughts which led to lengthy closures on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal during its freight-carrying heyday. Winterburn Reservoir was built by engineer Edward Filliter and, on his retirement in 1887, Henry Rofe. It was connected to the canal by a 14km long pipeline, discharging at Greenberfield. The reservoir has a dam 180m long and 25m high, our highest dam. The reservoir was officially opened in August 1893 and was the last major construction project of the canal. Today, it helps supply water for the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and is a valuable green open space for people and wildlife.
For more information about the People's Postcode Lottery go to www.postcodelottery.co.uk
