Vandals target Fernilee water treatment works

The pumping station at Fernilee reservoir dam, which has been damaged by vandals. Photo contributed.

Steve Cliffe said that the roof of the station had been attacked by vandals and the windows had been smashed.

He said: “I occasionally follow the public footpath which passes the works. The damage to the windows has been left unrepaired for months if not years and little done to minimise further attacks. I would have expected United Utilities to make more of an effort to safeguard its buildings. They seem quite keen to collect the revenues without doing their best to protect the infrastructure.”

Mark Donaghy, a spokesman for United Utilities, said: “It is disappointing that vandals are targeting this property and making a mess of the building. We patrol the area as often as possible, but it is impossible to police it on a regular basis. We have also tried to prevent entry into the building and there are warning signs outside. The company is currently deciding the future of the property, which has not been used to provide drinking water for a number of years.”