UNITED Utilities has pulled the plug on Bolton Triathlon — because it does not want people swimming at Rivington Reservoir.

The company says the athletes will send out the wrong message and encourage youngsters to risk their lives in its waterways. But despite its safety fears, United Utilities is allowing another triathlon to take place at the reservoir.

The company was last night accused of double standards by Bolton Triathlon organisers who fear the tough sporting challenge — which attracted hundreds of competitors last year — could now fold. Bolton Triathlon has taken place at Rivington each September for the past four years, providing vital funds for Bolton Triathlon Club.

But United Utilities says it is only willing to allow one event at Rivington and has chosen the Ironman UK International Tri-athlon, which is coming to Bolton for the first time, in August, this year.

Mark Jackson, secretary of Bolton Triathlon Club, said: “We are very unhappy. We have held this event for the past four years without any problems whatsoever.

“This is a well organised, safe event. We are not talking about kids splashing about in the water unsupervised."

United Utilities last night defended its decision on safety grounds. It denied it had picked the event likely to generate more revenue.

Martin Padley, head of environment and community, said: “There have been six tragic drownings in our reservoirs in the past three years. “Casual swimming is very dangerous and we are doing everything possible to discourage it. We are reviewing whether carefully controlled events like triathlons give mixed safety messages to the public, and that is why we have taken the difficult decision to allow only one event this year.” United Utilities said it chose Ironman UK because it was major organisation which was keen to work with the local community to promote reservoir safety.

For the full story see The Bolton News.