PLANS have been lodged for a major new water pipeline from Thirlmere to West Cumbria.

United Utilities is planning the work, which will provide a new water supply for the area.

The firm's proposals were submitted to Copeland Council this week.

Included in the plans is a new service reservoir and pumping station at High Leys, near Rowrah, from which the water supply would flow into the existing network at Summergrove and Kelton Fell reservoirs in Copeland.

The project would also include a water treatment works off the A595 near Blindcrake, and a service reservoir and valve house and Moota Hill, linked to a new pumping station at Harrot Hill, near Cockermouth.

Also included are underground mains supply pipelines from the proposed water treatment works to Quarry Hill, Broughton Cross, extending into Copeland.

Changes would be made to the existing pipelines from Broughton Cross to Stainburn and from Cockermouth to Southwaite Farm.

Short lengths of open cut trench are proposed between Stainburn and Cornhow, covering about 1.1km in total.

The scheme crosses the planning boundaries of Copeland Council, Allerdale Council and the Lake District National Park Authority.

Public views should be sent to Copeland Council and Allerdale Council by May 13 and the Lake District National Park Authority by May 16.