A FOOTBRIDGE at the Blue Lagoon has been restored, allowing visitors to walk across the popular beauty spot once again.

The restoration was undertaken with the Belmont Bridge having fallen into disrepair in recent years, becoming unusable and dangerous.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council now says that it hopes the restoration will make the lagoon more, accessible, however amongst residents concerns persists about plans which came to light last week which could see the reservoir filled in ahead of a potential redevelopment.

Council deputy leader Phil Riley said: "It’s fantastic to see this footbridge restored so that residents and visitors can enjoy a walk across Ward’s Reservoir.

"Thanks our environment team for their determination, working hard to find long term solutions to the complex issues around land ownership and maintenance which saw this bridge fall out of use.

"Thanks to our project partners Belmont Village Residents Association, United Utilities, and Peak and Northern Footpath Society, we can now enjoy the Blue Lagoon for years to come."

The Blue Lagoon, officially known as Ward's Reservoir, has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike since the early 19th century,

However, in recent decades, Belmont Bridge fell into disrepair, becoming dangerous and unusable.

Since those walking in the area were unable to cross using the bridge, people often waited for when the water level was low enough to walk down and round the bottom.

The restored bridge will now allow visitors to take part in circular walks around the reservoir.

Work on the bridge began in March 2020 after Blackburn with Darwen Council appointed local contractor Sancus Civil Engineering to repair the bridge build and the land slip.

But this comes amid concerns of the future of the lagoon itself with reports last week suggesting that the owners, Horwich based consortium the Blue Lagoon Heritage Trust, were considering plans to fill in the reservoir ahead of future redevelopments.

This was first broached at a meeting of the Belmont Village Residents Association on September 14.

However, formal plans have yet to be lodged to the Environment Agency.