A protest was held as concerns grow over the state of a popular reservoir.

Environmental campaigners were joined by town councillors at Aldenham Reservoir on Sunday.

Ann Goddard, who is chairman of the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society held a banner which read 'Save Historic Aldenham Reservoir'.

The concerns relate to the continued drainage of the reservoir, which is privately owned.

Liberty Lake Leisure Ltd says the condition of the dam wall/embankment, which was most recently inspected in July, means there needs to be less pressure on it and therefore, the owners took the decision at the beginning of 2020 to open the reservoir's sluice.

This has dramatically reduced the amount of water in the reservoir, impacting wildlife, a sailing club, and those who visit the reservoir to enjoy the scenery.

Watford Observer: An image of Aldenham Reservoir and the dam wall taken by Clive Butchins on SundayAn image of Aldenham Reservoir and the dam wall taken by Clive Butchins on Sunday

Mrs Goddard said: "We gathered at the reservoir on Sunday afternoon to express our deep anxiety over the condition and fate of the historic reservoir.

"We were all united in our message to Liberty, Hertsmere Borough Council, and Hertfordshire County Council to have immediate talks, share the engineers' report on the dam safety and undertake the repairs if necessary, and the future care and costs of the unique, well-used, and loved amenity and wildlife habitat/

"It's loss would be a tragedy."

Watford Observer: Chairman of Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society Dr Ann Goddard addresses protesters at Aldenham Reservoir on Sunday. Credit: Clive ButchinsChairman of Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society Dr Ann Goddard addresses protesters at Aldenham Reservoir on Sunday. Credit: Clive Butchins

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Sunday's protest was the second in 12 months at the reservoir. Last year, around 200 people attended a march organised by campaign group Save Aldenham Reservoir.

Watford Observer: Some of the attendees of Sunday's protest. Credit: Clive ButchinsSome of the attendees of Sunday's protest. Credit: Clive Butchins

Liberty co-owner Mahesh Gosrani, who said he was aware of Sunday's protest, has shared a summary with this newspaper of an inspection report published by Liberty's dam engineer who visited the site on July 19 this year.

The summary read: "In general, the embankment appears to be in a poor condition and movement continues. Maintenance is being provided but against this is rising levels of vandalism.

"The owner has reduced the water level which helps to reduce the load on the embankment and give a buffer for floods whilst the future of the site is decided. This ranges from building a new embankment to full discontinuance or operation at a reduced level, achieved by building a new spillway at a lower level.

"However, this decision appears to be taking too long and it is essential that a strategy for the future is decided and implemented to ensure the safety of the structure."

Liberty says it has instructed its planning consultants to submit an application to lower the existing spillway by about two metres to permanently reduce the water level of the reservoir.