Hertsmere Borough Council has signified its commitment to finding a solution to the "continuous, systemic neglect" of Aldenham Reservoir.

A cross-party motion which calls on the council to "explore all possible actions" at the privately owned site was unanimously backed at a full council meeting on January 27.

Deputy leader Caroline Clapper rose to talk about the "systemic destruction" of one of Hertsmere's "most beloved assets" with members united in their fight to try and return to the reservoir to "its former glory".

It comes after the council granted the reservoir an asset of community value and a cross-party statement vowed to look into the possibility of securing a compulsory purchase order of the reservoir.

A working group of councillors and officers will now be set up and a report setting out the potential next steps is due to be published within the next three months.

Related: Compulsory purchase order being considered amid reservoir's 'bleak' future

Earlier this month, councillors Caroline Clapper, Jerry Evans, and Dan Ozarow said the future of the reservoir has never looked so "bleak" in its 225 year history.

The owners - the Gosrani brothers - have been draining the reservoir consistently since January 2020 after claiming the pressure on the reservoir's dam wall needed reducing following an inspection by its dam supervisor.

Repairs are said to cost in the region of £5 million but attempts by the Gosrani's to raise money, such as to build houses on green belt land near the reservoir or holiday pods around it, have been rejected by Hertsmere Borough Council.

In the past, the Gosrani's, who reportedly bought the reservoir in late 2015 for £50,000, have said they would not sell the site meaning the reservoir has been deteriorating without any lasting solution coming forward.

The consequences of draining the reservoir include Aldenham Sailing Club packing up after 80 years and concerns raised about the welfare of animals.

Related: Bird nests left 'exposed to predators' at Aldenham Reservoir

Speaking at the meeting on Thursday, Cllr Clapper said: "I’ve been heartbroken to witness the way the owners of the reservoir, currently known as the Jewel of Hertsmere, have continually neglected the reservoir, which has not only led to such a negative visual impact, but has negatively impacted on all the animals which once thrived in this environment, both above and below the water.

"If this all wasn’t serious enough, numerous attempts have been made to block the well-used footpaths around the reservoir and the children’s playground has been demolished too."

She added: "We must now say enough is enough. All three political parties have agreed to come together to explore any and all possible options to us to achieve resolution to the most serious of all issues.

"Over the past few years, there have been so many individuals, community groups and tiers of government who have put a great deal of work into finding a workable resolution to this issue.

"We are looking to unite and work with every related stakeholder on this matter – and we will not stop until we have achieved the desired outcome."

The motion was backed by her Tory colleagues, including former sailor Cllr David Lambert, as well as the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.

Co-owner Mahesh Gosrani was approached for comment on the motion.