Haslingden residents invited to learn more about HARP progress

United Utilities is inviting residents in the Haslingden area to find out more about progress on the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP).

The 110km Haweswater Aqueduct, which carries water from Cumbria to 2.5 million customers in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, is being refurbished.

The original pipeline which is now 70 years old uses gravity to carry 570 million litres of water – that’s nearly 250 Olympic-sized swimming pools - every day to customers and businesses across the North West.

United Utilities’ delivery partner, Cascade Infrastructure, will begin work to replace the six tunnel sections of the aqueduct later this year. In Haslingden, this will involve the creation of a compound area. In preparation for this, it is necessary to carry out roadworks to widen the junction at Haslingden Road roundabout.

Works will start at the end of July and run through until December. To complete the work safely, single lane closures on the junctions of the roundabout will be in place and a diversion route for pedestrians will be introduced.

Matt Postlethwaite, United Utilities’ Engagement Lead for HARP explained: “HARP is one of the largest water infrastructure programmes in the UK. As well as securing water supplies for millions of customers, it will also create hundreds of jobs in the region.

“The work in Haslingden is the first phase of work to get underway for the project. Keeping communities along the route informed is important to us and our delivery partners at Cascade Infrastructure. We are inviting residents in the Haslingden area to come along to meet the team and find out more.”

Two information sessions are taking place in June:  

• 10am to 2pm, Tuesday 9 June – upper foyer, Tesco, Syke Street, BB4 6LY
• 6pm to 8pm, Wednesday 17 June - Haslingden Cricket Club, Bentgate Cricket Ground, BB4 6LX