Community invited to have their say on Rivington

Car parking, visitor facilities and signage are just some of the themes that United Utilities is looking for feedback on as it develops plans to improve visitor access at Rivington. 

The water company is inviting residents and those who visit Lever Park and Rivington Reservoir to give their views on what the popular estate is like as a place to visit.

The Rivington area, including the grade-two listed Lever Park, attracts more than one million visitors per year. At times that puts a strain on the area so United Utilities’ teams have been speaking with local stakeholders to develop an action plan to improve the experience of visitors and minimise the impact on local residents.

Matthew Upton, United Utilities West Area Catchment Manager, explained: “Rivington is one of our most popular sites attracting large numbers of visitors. Our aim is always to ensure that people who visit our catchment land have an enjoyable, rewarding and safe experience. Of course that applies to local residents, community groups and those that visit from further afield.

“At peak times, the large number of visitors can cause issues, for example badly parked vehicles creating access issues and damaging grass verges and trees, litter issues and other anti-social behaviour.

“During the past 12 months we’ve commissioned surveys and trialled various new measures across the land we own to better understand areas for improvement and from this we’ve developed an action plan. Our next step is to share this and get feedback from residents, local community groups, businesses and residents as well as the council and emergency services.

“We will work closely with local organisations such as the Rivington Heritage Trust to implement any new measures to ensure we continue to protect and enhance this resource now and in the future."                     

Further details about the action plan can also be found on United Utilities website at: https://bit.ly/3kfIaJ5