Century-Old Holmfirth Reservoir To Receive Safety Boost

Vital safety work to the overflow structure at one of Yorkshire’s oldest reservoirs in Holmfirth is set to begin as part of Yorkshire Water’s £60 million programme of work to maintain and modernise the region's reservoirs.

The work, which is set to begin in February, will see engineering specialists Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) build a new state-of-the-art spillway to replace the current ageing structure at Yateholme reservoir, which dates back to 1878.

It follows similar work conducted at three other reservoirs in the area by the company to ensure that these mammoth structures continue to meet the high levels of safety legally required.

In order to ensure the new structure aesthetically compliments the local environment, Yorkshire Water will be using a special type of precast concrete recently celebrated by TV's Countryfile programme for the way it was successfully deployed in a similar project by the company at its nearby Riding Wood reservoir last year.

During the construction phase contractors, MMB will aim to use the access from Woodhead Road for large construction vehicles as much as possible. As part of the project MMB will also be making significant improvements to Holme Wood Lane and Kiln Bent Road.

Tim Dyke, Yorkshire Water’s Project Manager for this scheme, said:

"Clearly this work is vital but at the same time, as a responsible landowner, we're doing everything we can to ensure the new structure benefits the local environment using the best products and skilled engineers.

To find out more about the reservoir improvements scheme in Yorkshire visit www.yorkshirewater.com/reservoirs