WORK has started on a £1.2 million improvement scheme at a reservoir near Stanbury.

The year-long project, at Watersheddles, is part of a region-wide Yorkshire Water (YW) reservoir maintenance and modernisation programme.

The work is being carried out on behalf of the company by engineering specialist, Mott MacDonald Bentley.

Improvements will include lining the spillway – or overflow structure – which is used to control water flows into the downstream area, with reinforced concrete.

Also, the walls of the spillway – which is 100 metres long and 3.5 metres wide – will be raised.

And a bridge over the structure will be replaced.

During the scheme, a public footpath is being diverted around the site compound.

A YW spokesman said: "Watersheddles reservoir was constructed in 1858.

"This project will ensure it complies with the Reservoir Safety Act and continues to effectively perform its primary role of supplying water to the Keighley area."

Earlier this year, the Keighley News revealed that 3,000 residents across Keighley district and the Worth Valley had been warned they were at risk if reservoirs burst.

Householders living close to six high-priority sites, including Watersheddles, were sent letters explaining their homes were within 'inundation areas' that would take the full force of flooding.

The letters were sent out by Bradford Council, which also distributed a booklet outlining what people could do to protect themselves and their property in case of emergency.