YORKSHIRE Water has closed a popular circular walk at its Thruscross Reservoir, off the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate, to carry out what it says is 'essential work'.

In December, 2021, significant damage was done to woodland at the site as a result of Storm Arwen, resulting in the water company closing sections of the 4.5 mile walk for several weeks.

The circular walk from the car park end has been closed again with large sections of woodland cleared; along with other footpaths next to the Washburn.

On its website, Yorkshire Water says: "To keep everyone safe while we work, we've had to close footpaths downstream of the dam and over the road from the car park. The car park is still open and you're still welcome to visit, but please follow all signage and keep away from closed paths. We'll finish the work and reopen the paths as soon as we can."

Yorkshire Water is to introduce car parking charges at its car parks at Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston this year.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We’re undertaking some forestry work at Thruscross reservoir to comply with a statutory plant health notice and clear up damage caused by Storm Arwen.

"To keep everyone safe while we’re doing the work, we’ve had to temporarily close some of the public rights of way and permissive routes. We’re hoping to have everything open and back to normal as soon as we can, although this depends on the weather conditions.”