LIVES could be at risk as people walk around the flood-damaged Entwistle Reservoir, it is feared.

Owners United Utilities are urging walkers to stick to the safe paths following the closure of several parts of the popular beauty spot.

Several bridges and footpaths were washed away during floods in August and the popular circular trail was closed for safety reasons.

Alternative routes are signposted but some walkers are ignoring the warnings and risking falling into the reservoir or slipping and injuring themselves. A spokesman for United Utilities today said: "Some sections of the walks are still open and everything is clearly marked out to say where people should and shouldn't be going.

"But people are still ignoring the warning signs. We know it's frustrating if people can't go on the normal routes but they really do need to abide by the signs.

"We don't want to be telling people off, but we also don't want anyone getting hurt. A lot of the bridges and paths are unstable but there are other walks available.

"We will be spending a short time fixing the damaged bridges and paths but we are also going to be looking for the long-term at the water catchment.

"When the water runs off the moors it flows down to the reservoir so we are looking at growing certain vegetation like heather to try to slow the water as it comes down the moors."

The floods caused thousands of pounds worth of damage when rain burst the banks of a stream at the top of Cadshaw Valley which flows into the reservoir.

It gathered pace on the way down the West Pennine Moors, picking up huge boulders and trees on the way.

Six footbridges and footpaths were destroyed and the boulders left a 15ft crater on the valley side.

Work to reopen the walks could take up to 12 months.

People are being advised to walk around Wayoh or Jumbles reservoirs instead.