ENGINEERS are continuing to assess the extent of repairs that may need to be carried out at Carr Mill Dam, an organisation responsible for managing the waterway has said.

The dam is expected to undergo the maintenance works over the coming years – but the extent and significance are still being considered by the Canal and River Trust.

The organisation set out the position after angling groups were told that dam may need draining to repair a broken pipe and widespread speculation on community social media pages that a “draw off drain has failed”.

According to the spokeswoman for the Canal and River Trust, engineers have inspected the dam and identified a number of issues which need to be addressed.

However, she said, further checks and consultations need to take place before a final decision on which work will be carried out – and when – is made.

The spokeswoman told the Star: “The Canal and River Trust is currently looking at carrying out some works to Carr Mill Dam reservoir over the winter of 2018/2019.

“We’re in the very early stages of planning the programme of works – but once they have been confirmed, we will consult with the local community and stakeholders regarding the details, which will be confirmed later in the year.”

She added that reports on social media that a plan had been finalised were premature – and said engineers, environmental groups, heritage organisations and user groups will all be involved in the consultation process.

Meanwhile, Les Bromilow, secretary of St Helens Angling Association, told the Star: “Apparently there’s a pipe under the water that needs repairing.”

He said association members were told at a meeting that “the dam may be drained to carry out works to fix a pipe under the water”.

He said: “We’ve not been officially notified as yet – but it would be a major operation to drain it. All the fish would need to be moved and kept somewhere. It would be empty for at least 12 months and that could affect our permit sales.

“On the positive side, draining the dam would enable general clean-up work to take place, which would ultimately be of benefit.”