Weaste and Seedley residents fear proposed plans to drain Winterbottom’s Reservoir could leave homes vulnerable to flooding.
The plans include 35 new homes and 25 apartments, which residents fear will destroy the wildlife and sense of community built around the reservoir.
Residents have launched a petition against the new development of houses in hopes to save their beloved reservoir.
One of the residents’ biggest concerns is the potential risk of further flooding.
They explained that when a nearby smaller reservoir was drained in 2017, pipes burst underneath nearby roads, leaving water with nowhere to go and routed underneath people’s housing foundations, with residents having to fund the damage themselves.
With Winterbottom’s being a much larger body of water, residents are questioning what could happen if it is also drained and are concerned for their housing and businesses in the area.
Local resident Carl Davison raised concerns over how his brother suffered severe lung problems, following the previous flooding.
He also raised concern about who is going to be responsible for the properties that get damaged this time round.
Kim Woodward, organiser and founder of ‘Save The Winterbottoms Reservoir’ said that she believes the reservoir could be cleaned up, properly maintained and looked after and could give everyone in the local community somewhere to go.
She also said: “I want to see it brought back to life, and made it into something positive that the whole community can benefit from for years to come”
The reservoir is rich in history and culture, with local residents expressing fond memories of the reservoir and what it offered for them as a community in its peak.
Resident, Yasmin Holgeth, gave her message to the council: “Please, please, please speak to us and understand why we want to keep the reservoir”
Weaste and Seedley Reform Counsellor, Paul Doyle, has been actively involved in the campaign.
He said: “It’s absolutely essential that we keep this as a heritage site”.
“The community in Weaste and Seedley is absolutely fantastic, give them that reservoir.”
Developer Mulbury Homes is already advertising properties planned for the site, despite planning permission not yet being approved by Salford City Council.
Mulbury Homes has been contacted for comment.
Residents are urging readers to join the 155 objections and sign their petition to save the Winterbottom’s Reservoir.
You can also have your say through Salford City Council’s Website.
