A RESERVOIR has been partially drained after cracks appeared in the road along the embankment.

One lane of the road from Charles Turner paper mill to the A675, near Belmont village, has been closed.

A North West Water spokeswoman said they had lowered the level of Dingle reservoir by three metres so it can be quickly drained if necessary.

She said they were still carrying out tests on the embankment and road and could not yet start work until they knew the cause of the problem but said the cracks were not thought to be related to a gas main which was laid alongside the road.

She said anglers could continue to fish in the reservoir.