WALKERS are up in arms over the two-month closure of a scenic walk around Entwistle Reservoir.

Rachel Turner of Bolton Road, Darwen, walks her two dogs around the reservoir each weekend. She said: "What can they possibly need to do that will take eight weeks? It's ridiculous that such a beautiful landmark should be closed off for so long.

"I come here every weekend but I'm probably going to have to go somewhere else now."

The road to the south of the reservoir was closed this week for essential maintenance work.

Larry Dudgeon, 64, of Heys Lane, Blackburn, said: "It's very disappointing because I come here quite often, it's a beautiful place.

"I just hope the work they are doing is really necessary and that they are not just shutting it for a silly reason."

North Turton with Tockholes ward councillor Colin Rigby said: "It's a very popular walk and all sorts of people go there. I'm sure that hundreds of people will be affected by the closure but they have to understand that it's all being done for a purpose. My wife goes there every weekend with the dog and it's especially nice during the summer."

Eric Hatton, former chairman of the Ramblers' Association, said: "The walk attracts people from all over the borough and I know that the route is a popular one for many rambler groups. The closure is a blow but I'm sure it is needed and they will get it over and done with as soon as they can."

A spokesperson from United Utilities said: "We started work on the site on Monday and we are estimating that it will take approximately eight weeks.

"Unfortunately this means that a section of the reservoir walk does need to be closed off for maintenance work to be carried. The path needs to be closed so we can get heavy machinery to and from the site. Of course the workers will do their best to get it all finished within eight weeks so the path can be re-opened as soon as possible.

"We apologise to customers for any inconvenience. We put up signs all around the area to make sure that people don't set off walking, get half way around and realise that the other half is closed off. We've done all we can to inform people."