BOSSES at United Utilities are looking at ways to prevent a repeat of the flooding which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage near Entwistle Reservoir.

Repair work to the surrounding paths and bridges, which were washed away last year, is expected to take until the end of the summer.

But the company has said it is equally important to look at preventive action to stop bad weather leading to a similar incident.

The popular circular trail around the reservoir was closed for safety reasons after much of it was washed away by floods in August.

Signposts highlighting alternative routes were installed and walkers were urged to stick to the paths and not attempt to go through the damaged areas.

Six footbridges and footpaths were destroyed and the boulders left a 15ft crater on the valley side.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We will be spending a short time fixing the damaged bridges and paths but we are also going to be looking for the long term at the water catchment.

"When the water runs off the moors it flows down to the reservoir so we will be looking at growing certain vegetation like heather to try and slow the water as it comes down the moors."

The floods were caused when rain burst the banks of a stream at the top of Cadshaw Valley which flows into the reservoir.

It gathered pace on the way down the West Pennine MoorRepair work to lessen chance of floodings, picking up huge boulders and trees on the way.