Public warned to ‘stay away’

YORKSHIRE WATER has urged the public to avoid Ogden Water during the coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

The company has joined forces with Calderdale Council to stop visits to the reservoir, which are strictly prohibited, in advance of the warm weather that’s expected as lockdown has extended over the further three weeks.

The reservoir, just off the A629, was one of many closed to the public on March 22 in order to reduce strain on emergency key workers, but Yorkshire Water said there has still been visitors travelling to the spot despite Government banning non-essential travel due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Darren Lynch, Yorkshire Water spokesman, said: “We know it’s tempting to go out and enjoy our beautiful reservoirs but we really need everyone to stay at home to help protect our teams.

“We’ve got a really important job to do to keep all our reservoirs safe and when the reservoirs are busy this really impacts our ability to work safely.”

The council’s on-the-ground Community Protection Team, which work with West Yorkshire Police, have been monitoring the situation at Ogden Water

A Community Protection officer, who has investigated several incidents at the reservoir, voiced concerns.

He said: “Hearing loud music at Ogden.

“Found a male on his own. Escorted out and dealt with accordingly.

“It’s not worth it, stay away.” Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Susan Press said: “Respect the safety of the Yorkshire Water staff who need access to Ogden Water by avoiding the reservoir and choosing alternative places to keep active.

“Our priority is to save lives, reduce risk to the vulnerable and protect the NHS.

“Closures and restrictions are in place for safety and we urge all to respect them.”

Our priority is to save lives, reduce risk to the vulnerable and protect the NHS.