A BUSINESSMAN who had his offer to buy lodges at Lowercroft turned down has vowed to make sure they are maintained by the current owner.

Bowland Drive resident David Jennings says he will pay for an expert to regularly check on the condition of the reservoirs.

Mr Jennings, managing director of Walshaw based UAP Ltd, hopes that regular visual surveys will identify problems at an early stage, when repairs are still viable.

Last month, Mr Jennings offered £25,000 to secure the future of the three Whiteheads Lodges.

His offer was refused by owner Keith Talbot, who wants councillors to endorse controversial plans for two anglers' car parks serving the middle lodge.

Without the fishing fees generated, Mr Talbot claims the reservoirs would have to be filled in.

Residents say that this amounts to an ultimatum, and suspect that any approval will help pave the way for housing developers.

Mr Jennings, who said he will lease the lodges and underwrite any maintenance costs, wants to ensure that lodges are kept in good condition.

He has already identified a professional to monitor reservoir banks and walls from the beginning of July.

A quarterly report will be forwarded to the Friends of Cockey Moor, Whiteheads and Parkers Lodges, who aim to preserve the area.

Mr Jennings said: "There's a lot of mistrust in the area about what the game plan is, and there are fears that the lodges will fall into a state of disrepair.

"We don't want to get into the situation where in 12 months time the lodges are in a dilapidated state.

"It will be far easier to ensure that small pieces of remedial work are done gradually. This will save a fortune in maintenance in the longer term.

"If there is any dilapidation, I will support the Friends in taking whatever action they deem necessary to ensure Mr Talbot keeps the lodges at the required standard."

Mr Talbot said that since buying the reservoirs last year, he has spent £9,000 on work, including repairs to a dam wall and bankings.

He said: "We are making progress with our work to maintain these waters. We have done work here that has not been done in 30 years."

Mr Talbot said his main fear was legislation that could see the costs of maintaining waters soar from September.

He said: "We will carry on with our work until such time that we may have to look at something different, if that arises."

He added: "The bankings on the south side of the three reservoirs are private property and access is for anglers only. Anybody else will be deemed to be trespassing."