MAJOR engineering works are needed to repair a lake where water levels have fallen by two feet in a matter of months.

Concerns have been raised about Star Lodge in Horwich, after a wall was left broken for a number of years.

Homeowners who live near to the natural beauty spot, raised the alarm when the water levels plunged by more than 24 inches in two months.

Now Barratt Homes says it has agreed to work with contractors to find a solution.

Resident, Pat Byrne, of Butterwick Fields, said: “One of the pieces of the retaining wall has broken away and caused the lake to overflow and fall by 60cm over the last month.

“The breach in the wall was caused by wear and tear.

“The breach has been going on for a couple of years and it has got worse and worse.”

The lake has been a major selling point for house buyers in the area, with estate agents advertising views across the water.

Residents are worried that the shrunken lake may affect the value of their homes.

Star Lodge is also a habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Mr Byrne added: “It’s full of fish and they are in danger of dying.”

He says he is looking forward to seeing the wall repaired: “We’re hoping things are moving now.”

The affected wall is on the north west side of Star Lodge, close to the original weird that feeds into a wide stream running through the Butterwick Fields estate.

The stream finally joins the Douglas River.

Barratt Developments, the owner of Star Lodge, is working with residents to find a fix.

A spokesperson for Barratt Homes Manchester said: “We are aware of the issue with water levels at Star Lodge Lake in Horwich and we are currently working closely with contractors to come up with an appropriate solution.

“We appreciate the patience of residents and would like to reassure them that we are doing all we can to repair the retaining wall, however this does involve large scale engineering works.”