PLANS to pump water from the River Hodder in the Ribble Valley to maintain supply to Blackburn has met with opposition from environmentalists.

The project is aimed at tackling low flow problems in the Brennand and Whitendale rivers, Blackburn's main source of water.

Jennifer Ware of United Utilities said: "We have been working in conjunction with the Environment Agency to find a way of meeting increased demand for water.

"Demand has increased everywhere and we have to find ways of meeting it. With low flow problems in the rivers which supply Blackburn, that could mean we have to start looking elsewhere."

"The rivers Brennand and Whitendale have been the main source of water supply for Blackburn for more than 100 years."

"The flow in these rivers has decreased and the specific aim of the Hodder scheme is to improve the flow."

"We are working with environmental focus groups and are aware that some people may have issues which they want addressing."

"United Utilities would never implement a scheme which would have a detrimental effect on any ecosystem."

Pumping water from the Hodder to increase water levels in the Brennand and Whitendale is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" according to Bowland Game Fishing Association.

They fear that important breeding grounds for salmon and trout are at risk. Philip Lord of the association said: "Salmon hatcheries on the river Hodder are essential.

"The tributary rivers, Langden, Hareden, Losterdale, Brennand and Whitendale, are all scarred by abstraction plants. The only place where salmon can breed is the main Hodder itself."

"We have tried to persuade United Utilities and the Environment Agency to rethink the plans.

"Now we want to open this to the public they must know what is going on."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "This proposal is still in the evaluation stage. We will be listening to the concerns of the Bowland Game Fishing Association and believe it is important to take their concerns on board."