Multi-million pound improvements planned for reservoir

EIGHTEENTH century Harthill Reservoir is set for a £5 million upgrade, the Canal & River Trust has announced.

The beauty spot was built more than 200 years ago to supply water to the Chesterfield Canal two miles away.

Now it is also a popular fishery, walking route and home to groups such as Rotherham Sailing Club and Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers.

Sean McGinley, regional director with Canal & River Trust, said: “This reservoir was originally constructed in the late 18th century. From time to time we need to upgrade and improve the canal infrastructure to present day standards.

“This project will involve redesigning the overflow spillway to increase the resilience of Harthill Reservoir.

“We ask people to bear with us in the short term while we make these important upgrades to the reservoir structures.”

Ground investigation and heritage and ecological assessments will take place over the coming months to inform plans to remodel with overflow spillway and bring other enhancements.

The main project should start in 2022 and take 12 months. Water levels will be reduced during the upgrade.

The trust, which owns the reservoir, will write to residents about the plans and hold an online community meeting at 7pm on Thursday, January 8, to introduce the project and invite questions.

Mr McGinley said: “Rotherham Sailing Club, model boaters, anglers and Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers are just some of the groups that regularly enjoy the wonderful amenity of this beautiful, rural reservoir and we understand that temporarily reducing the reservoir water level is not ideal.

“However, this important upgrade work will secure Harthill Reservoir’s long-term future and ensure that people can continue to enjoy the important physical health and wellbeing benefits of being by water for many years to come.”

Email the trust at [email protected] or call 0800 028 8141 for more information and to register for attending the online meeting.