Darwen beauty spot may be sold to council
2:30pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News
By Dan Clough, Reporter
Jack's Key reservoir
PLANS to develop a Darwen beauty spot have been given a boost after it was revealed council bosses are considering buying the site.
Jacks Key reservoir has been subject to much speculation in recent years after its owner went into liquidation seven years ago, passing ownership of the site to the Crown.
The Environment Agency has been investigating ways to restore the former reservoir to its former glory.
And now the Lancashire Telegraph understands Blackburn with Darwen Council chiefs are looking to buy the site for a nominal fee.
Whitehall councillor David Foster said: “I believe the council is mindful to buy the site. If that happens, it will make it easier for the land to be developed.”
The news came as the Environment Agency bid for £800,000 from the Government to undertake construction work to improve the resilience of the reservoir. Work is needed to be carried out to ensure the site is not a flood risk to local residents.
Paul Robertshaw, project manager from the Environment Agency, said: “This project is good news for local people who are keen to see the reservoir made safer and its surrounding areas improved where possible.
“It forms part of wider works to reduce the risk of floods in Darwen in the past year that have included the work to the culvert in Blackburn Road and the culvert removal on the River Darwen at Shorey Bank.”
Coun Faryad Hussain, the council’s executive member for environmental improvement and sustainability, said they were working with the Environment Agency to ensure safety risks are minimised, while improving the area.
