Ward's Reservoir

Ward's Reservoir (or Wards Reservoir), known locally as the Blue Lagoon, is a small reservoir close to the village of Belmont, Lancashire, England. It is in the West Pennine Moors north of Bolton.[1][2]

Ward's Reservoir
Ward's Reservoir
Shown within Blackburn with Darwen
LocationLancashire, England
Coordinates53°38′17″N 2°30′2″W
Surface area0.3 km2 (0.12 sq mi)
Average depth24.4 m (80 ft)
Water volume150,000 m3 (5,300,000 cu ft)

The reservoir did not supply drinking water but was built to supply water to Rycroft Works in the early 19th century. It was enlarged in 1893 by Deacons who used the water to supply Belmont Bleachworks.[3] It holds 150,000 cubic metres of water, with a surface area of 28,000 square metres, when full.[4] Most of the reservoir is only a few feet deep, but it has a depth of about 80 feet (24 m) at its deepest point.[5]

The reservoir was drained by its owner, Belmont Holdings, in 2010, despite efforts by local residents to save it.[4] It had fallen into a state of disrepair following the closure of the bleachworks,[6] and was considered a flood risk by the Environment Agency.[4]

By the end of August 2010 heavy rain had refilled the reservoir, and in September 2010 it was sold for £50,000. The buyer is thought to be a Horwich-based consortium who will renovate and develop the reservoir for recreational use.[7]

References
  1. "Manchester UK website". Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  2. "northturton.com". Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  3. Winter Hill Scrapbook (pdf), Dave Lane, p. 26, retrieved 30 January 2011
  4. Plug is pulled on the Blue lagoon, The Bolton News, retrieved 30 January 2011
  5. Water difference three days makes
  6. Cash secured to help study Belmont beauty spot, the Lancashire Telegraph, retrieved 30 January 2011
  7. Blue Lagoon is sold to consortium for £50k, the Bolton News, retrieved 3 March 2011
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