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Nov 2020

Last Updated: 23/11/2020

Environment

Swinsty reservoir footpath diversion 'too muddy to walk'

by Connor Creaghan

| 23 Nov, 2020

Swinsty reservoir has never been busier — but a visitor last weekend sent some shocking images of the new footpath diversion looking in horrendous condition.

A visitor to Swinsty reservoir last weekend has complained that the new temporary footpath is already too muddy to walk.

Yorkshire Water announced last week the footpath would close for 18 months to allow it to undertake £6 million safety works.

The company warned the route was uneven and "sometimes wet" and therefore unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

It added walkers should wear "suitable footwear" but it seems even those with sturdy boots and wellies may need to find a new walk for the time being.

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A Stray Ferret reader, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted us on Sunday to say his family walk deteriorated into a quagmire. The reader said:

"This diversion is really not well thought out. We will not be doing it again as the ground is only going to get worse over the coming months.

"I am surprised that Yorkshire Water has suggested the route. It needs reassessing as it is not fit for purpose."

'Swinsty is the busiest it has ever been'

The reservoir, in the Washburn Valley, is a popular location for families and dog walkers in the Harrogate district.

Graham Hebblethwaite, the chairman of Washburn Parish Council, today told the Stray Ferret it had never been busier - and this was causing problems.

"I have lived here for all my life and this is the busiest that it has ever been. Lots of people are parking on the verges and wrecking them.

"That leads to issues with the emergency services trying to get through. It also means that locals have been clashing with visitors."

Mr Hebblethwaite even said some locals were planning to move to escape the issues.

Yorkshire Water is diverting excess water from the reservoir to Lindley Wood reservoir to protect the embankment from flood erosion.

A spokesperson for the company told the Stray Ferret:

"We’re aware that the diversion footpath at Swinsty reservoir has become slightly difficult to navigate – with some areas very muddy.

"We are speaking to the North Yorkshire County Council about ways they may be able to improve the public right of way."

Yorkshire Water also encouraged anyone worried about the diversion route to visit other reservoirs, such as Fewston and Thruscross.

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Swinsty reservoir footpath diversion 'too muddy to walk'

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'Swinsty is the busiest it has ever been'