New laws make entering water illegal at Yorkshire reservoirs

The move by Yorkshire Water is part of a major drive to protect the environment and the safety of visitors.

The company, which owns and manages more than 72,000 acres of land, is working in partnership with the police to introduce byelaws at 10 of its most popular reservoir sites.

These include Cod Beck, near Osmotherley, in North Yorkshire; Widdop in Hebden Bridge; Ogden in Bradford; Agden in Sheffield; Ardsley, near Leeds; Baitings, near Ripponden; Mixenden, near Halifax; Rivelin, near Sheffield; Ryburn, near Ripponden; and Underbank in Stocksbridge, Sheffield.

The company has decided to introduce byelaws at the sites amid increasing concerns over the actions of “a small minority of people” it says are putting lives at risk or causing harm to the environment.

In particular, the company hopes that the introduction of a byelaw banning anyone from entering its reservoirs will help protect lives and ensure no-one dies in its waters.

The measures come on the back of more than a dozen incidents during the summer where the company says people have put their lives in “grave danger” by swimming or playing in reservoirs – despite repeated warnings that someone will die if people keep ignoring danger signs and entering the waters.

Byelaws will also prohibit the drinking of alcohol, overnight camping and the lighting of fires and barbecues, dangerous driving, littering and flytipping.

A byelaw will also be introduced prohibiting dog fouling which is a major problem at some of the company’s sites as a result of a some ignoring signs and not clearing up after their animals at popular sites which are enjoyed by thousands every week.

The byelaws, which will be clearly signposted at each of the sites, will give the water company the power to ultimately prosecute and fine those people who choose to ignore repeated warnings and even ban them from entering sites.

Yorkshire Water said its staff would team up with the police to carry out patrols on the sites involved and enforce the laws where necessary.

Hazel Clemmit, recreation officer at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’ve spent millions opening up some of our stunning reservoir sites, which attract thousands of people every week who use them for their enjoyment, whether it be for exercise or simply to take advantage of some of the stunning views they offer.

“Sadly, despite our best efforts, the irresponsible behaviour of a small minority can on occasion ruin it for the majority.

“We hope that these byelaws will encourage people to do the right thing and adhere to the rules, without us having to use them punitively.

“However, if and when we need to, people should be left in no doubt that we will enforce them in order to preserve our sites, protect water supplies and ensure that the vast majority of people who are doing the right thing can continue to enjoy and make the most of them.”

Sergeant Neil Northend, of Northallerton Safer Neighbourhood Team, who will be patrolling Cod Beck reservoir at Osmotherley, said: “There are serious messages behind the byelaws, not least to save people’s lives.

“Tragically, we have seen two people die in the past after entering the reservoir.

“It’s important that people are aware of the byelaws and the orders for their own and other people’s safety and enjoyment.”