Carsington Water could reopen after Severn Trent review
CARSINGTON Water could be about to reopen to the public, after Severn Trent said it was reviewing its closure.
The reservoir was closed off to visitors shortly after the coronavirus lockdown was put in place, but following the prime minister’s announcement about easing restrictions on Sunday its owners Severn Trent say they are “carefully” reviewing the decision.
In a statement posted on
Monday the water firm said: “The government has made some changes to its lockdown restrictions.
“We’re reviewing this carefully and looking closely for ways to reopen our sites so that we can keep visitors, staff and communities safe.
“We’ll keep customers updated through Facebook and our website but, for now, avoid travelling to our sites as they remain closed.”
Meanwhile the Peak District National Park Authority has yet to decide whether it will open its car parks, some of which sit alongside the Tissington Trail.
The car parks and their facilities were closed to discourage visitors from coming to the national park, but with Boris Johnson allowing the general public to go out for as much exercise as they like and to travel where they want to do it, the national park authority could now choose to reopen the car parks.
But as of yesterday no decision had been made. Instead, on Monday, a statement from the authority’s chief executive, Sarah Fowler was released, urging people to be careful as they travelled into the national park and suggesting reopening of facilities could be “a little while yet”.
She said: “Whilst we may need our national parks at this time, our relationship with them remains precariously balanced with the current risks to everyone from Covid-19.
“So as we prepare to welcome you back, let us draw upon that remarkable sense of respect, kindness and humanity we have seen so far in our fight against this disease.
“This is why I am personally appealing today to anyone seeking to travel to the Peak District National Park.
“Before your journey, please carefully consider your own wellbeing and that of the Peak District’s many small communities - and be aware that the vast majority of facilities including hospitality businesses will be not be open for a little while yet.
“Continuing to use local parks and outdoor areas close to your home can continue to provide the crucial breathing space for you and for us, to ensure the Peak District can be a safe and welcoming place to visit in the weeks to come.
“In this way we can ensure we don’t place undue pressure on public highways, emergency access or key workers.