Six-month reservoir refurbishment project begins

Works have been scheduled to last until 1 October

A six-month programme of maintenance at a reservoir in the south of the Isle of Man to refurbish its spillway is set to begin.

Manx Utilities (MU) said the essential works on the 80-year-old channel at Cringle Reservoir would include the concrete lining of the the walls and drainage system.

The need for the £1.2m works was identified during a statutory inspection and would ensure the "safety and longevity of the reservoir and its dam".

The authority said moves had been taken to protect the area's "species-rich grassland", with orchids in and turf relocated away from the construction area.

The stilling basin would also be cleared as part of the works

MU said the reservoir, which was retired as a raw water supply in 2008, would remain open to the public during the project but access to the dam crest would "occasionally" be restricted for short periods.

The works would also see the authority clear the stilling basin, designed to slow down fast-moving water to help prevent erosion to the surrounding environment, which is downstream of the spillway.

Race species including orchids and turf have been relocated away from the construction site

As a safety measure, the water level would be maintained around 1m (3.3 ft) below the top water level.

While the works would not impact public use of the site, the authority has urged visitors to be mindful of the project and supervise children and dogs appropriately during the project, which will last until 1 October.