A DROP in the level of water at one of the Whitehead lodges led to fears that they might be being drained.

Work on the upper lodge near Starling, Ainsworth, lowered the water surface to three feet below its usual level, prompting speculation that it may be a permanent move.

The lodges have been at the centre of a popular campaign in the area to prevent future drainage and any threat to its current environment.

But a council spokesman said that owners, the ITP group, had temporarily drained the reservoir to carry out essential maintenance work.

He said: "The firm has certain maintenance work to do which means they need to lower the water level.

"The work involves putting stone pitching back into place on the lodge walls and removing weeds and young trees."