A BRADFORD reservoir needs £280,000 of emergency work to ensure it is safe, the council has confirmed.

Members of the Bradford West Area Committee were told an inspection had revealed that “essential” repairs were required to shore up banking at Chellow Dene reservoir in Heaton.

The authority has now said funding for the repairs is in place with work due to start in the “very near future”.

A report put before the committee by Bradford Council’s parks and green spaces department stated: “The site consists of two large lakes with the lower one consisting of a large dam and banking which requires regular safety and operational inspections to ensure that all the sluice and overflow mechanics are maintained correctly, and the structure of the banking is not showing signs of any defects.

“Unfortunately a recent inspection survey revealed that some works are required to the banking, and whilst the defect is not highlighting any immediate structural dangers, it is imperative that remedial works are carried out to ensure the ongoing safety of the site.

“The nature of such works have to be carried out by specialist companies and, as such, can be very expensive, and the proposed works in this instance will be in the region of £280,000.”

Councillor Imran Hussain (Lab, Toller), said: “We have struggled with issues at Chellow Dene for a long time.

“There is a real issue with the health and safety side of things.

“What is the current position on how easy it is for unauthorised people to get into the site who may be up to no good?

“I am sure there are restrictions, but what is in place?”

A spokesman for the parks and green spaces team said any anti-social behaviour at the site had to be controlled by council wardens, who did not patrol on evenings or weekends, or the police.

On the repairs, a council spokesman said: “Following a routine inspection of the dam, it was found that some significant settlement has occurred within the structure near the left spillway. It is therefore essential that specialised remedial works take place to rectify the problem.”

Funding has been approved and the work will start in the “near future”.