Wall 'accidentally demolished' by contractors finally rebuilt by United Utilities

Avid walkers and historians were left outraged after the ruins of an old farmhouse wall were knocked down by the water company back in March.

The wall was demolished back in March

Photos taken at the time showed piles of stones, which had once been the remains of the Drinkwater Farm stone wall on Great Hill near Darwen, which according to locals, previously stood almost three metres high.

The damage was done by contractors working for United Utilities, who were carrying out work to create a turning area for emergency service vehicles in preparation for moorland fire season.

Drinkwaters: United Utilities have repaired the damage to the wall. Credit: Boyd Harris

The water company said the scope of their work did not involve doing anything to the ruins, however, residents and those who regularly visit the area, on Anglezarke Moor between Darwen and Chorley, say the site, which was allegedly used as a target practice during the Second World War, had been destroyed to 'save a few hours of work', and demanded it be restored immediately.

Outrage as United Utilities destroy stone wall ruins on moorland near Darwen

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: "Our contractor noticed that a section of one of the walls was unstable while he was working in the vicinity.

"He took the decision to reduce the wall height and make it safe while he was there so that it wouldn’t fall or injure members of the public.

"We support his swift action and we're making arrangements for the wall to be rebuilt by one of our skilled contractors so it remains a safe space that walkers can continue to visit and admire for years to come."

Drinkwaters: United Utilities have repaired the damage to the wall. Credit: Boyd Harris

Earlier this week, true to their word, the water company went back to the moorland and rebuilt the wall, much to the delight of people in the area.

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Walker, Boyd Harris said: "Well done to United Utilities for rebuilding the demolished wall at Drinkwater's Farm ruins.

"Excellent work. It's nice to have the familiar wall silhouette back for walkers approaching Great Hill from White Coppice or Brinscall."

While a Twitter user commented: "United Utilities have kept their promise and rebuilt the wall at Drinkwaters.

"They've made a good job of it too"

Drinkwaters: United Utilities have repaired the damage to the wall. Credit: Boyd Harris

A spokesperson for the water company said: "Glad to see this has been resolved.

"We're sorry again for any upset or concerns caused."