BURY’S biggest reservoir is being transformed as work progresses on an £800,000 improvement project.

British Waterways started draining Elton Reservoir in July and the 923 million litres of water have finally been removed.

A massive operation was carried out which saw 8,500lbs of fish removed over two weeks and moved to an Environment Agency holding facility. Contractors were then able to begin work to strengthen the walls and replace vital drains and valves in the reservoir, which is a popular beauty spot off Bolton Road.

Repairs have also been made to the stone-facing on the dam and an eroded section of the spillway channel.

The project is due to be completed this month, though it could be December before the reservoir is full of water again.