WALKERS and cyclists at Draycote Water will have to alter their route in the coming months.
Part of the footpath which runs around the reservoir has been temporarily closed while Severn Trent carries out £13million worth of upgrades.
A section of the footpath between Hensborough Embankment and the rear of the Visitor Hub along the southern side of the reservoir will be closed to allow the work to take place safely.
It is currently closed for preparation works and will reopen for a short time over Christmas before closing again on January 3 for around nine months.
While a small area of water around the works will be cordoned off, there is not expected to be any interruption to activities such as sailing or fishing, and the Draycote Water Running Festival will go ahead as planned on Saturday December 17.
The works will allow the site to meet Government regulations stating reservoirs must be able to lower water levels quickly to protect against dam failure. The Its most recent Government inspection revealed facilities at Draycote do not meet this guidance.
Three siphons, made up of pipes running through the Hensborough Embankment, will be installed.
Stuart Kerr, Project Manager at Severn Trent, said: “While we understand that the closure of part of the footpath may be inconvenient, we will be working as quickly as possible to have it reopened and there are signs in place to help visitors complete an alternative route of a similar length if they regularly walk, run or cycle around the reservoir.”
The project began in October with the clearance of vegetation and setting up of a site compound and is expected to be completed in December 2023.
Severn Trent is also running a festive trails at Draycote Water from December 17 to January 2. Visitors can buy a map which will lead them on a scenic walk around the site to help a forgetful snowman to remember what he’s lost in each of the special Christmas scenes.
Once completed, the map can be exchanged for a selection box or non-diary alternative.
Visit www.stwater.co.uk/in-my-area and search for Draycote Water for more information.
