Packhorse bridge and original channel of Lune re-emerge

Northumbrian Water has reduced the level of Grassholme Reservoir for “investigations and preparation works” ahead of a major development next year.

A spokesperson said the reservoir would be refilled later in the year and lowered again early next year for the development works to take place. 

The lower levels have led to the old packhorse bridge (pictured next to the more recent one) being revealed, as well as the original course of the Lune. 

The Lune valley lost up to a quarter of its homes and families to make way for Grassholme and Selset reservoirs, built just before the First World War and in the 1950s respectively.