A COUNCILLOR has joined forces with Blackburn Civic Society to launch a campaign to help preserve a public monument.

Councillor John Williams and members of the group have set their sights on obtaining Millennium funding to bring the Revidge Storage Reservoir back to its former glory.

The three-metre high tank, which dates back to 1887, sits high above Blackburn's Corporation Park and was often used by residents as a vantage point to lookout over the North West.

A bronze disc, which has since been removed for safe keeping, sat on top of the tank and pin-pointed landmarks. And on a clear day Blackpool Tower was visible. Steps leading up to the vantage point have also been removed.

Coun Williams said: "Once it became defunct owners North West Water said they would restore the tank and hand it over to the council for the people of Blackburn. But that was three years ago and nothing has been done."

Doug Chadwick, vice-chairman of Blackburn Civic Society said: "This is a very important landmark for the town and it is a shame that it has been allowed to get into such a state.

"We are determined to see it restored in time for the Millennium and at our next meeting we will be discussing what pro-active action we can take."

A spokesman for North West Water said: "We are well aware of our agreement with the council but we have to get our priorities right and that is to give the best water supply to our customers and cut back on leakages. We haven't forgotten about this scheme but unfortunately we do not have the funding available at the moment."

Councillor Williams (left) and Doug Chadwick are pictured above at the monument.

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