A PUBLIC event is planned next month over plans for the future of Cogra Moss near Lamplugh.

United Utilities is considering draining the reservoir and returning it to its natural state as the dam is in need of work.

Groups including Cockermouth Angling Association and Workington Rambling Club have called for the site to be saved and an online petition has attracted more than 700 signatures.

United Utilities has now revealed it plans to hold a public exhibition in late September to consult on its preferred option.

In a response to the petition, the company said it was examining two options - one to retain the reservoir and carry out work recommended by an independent engineer, and the second to discontinue it.

The firm's engineering team is carrying out environmental, ecological and hydrological surveys and working out the costs of each option to put together a cost benefit analysis.

It expects the surveys to be complete later this month.

A spokesman said: “Once complete we’ll be sharing our findings with the community so we can adopt an appropriate solution for Cogra Moss, its ecology, wildlife and its users.

"At this moment we don’t yet have a confirmed date for when the consultation will happen. We’ll hopefully be able to announce this shortly.”

Workington MP Sue Hayman has added her name to the online petition to save the reservoir, which is popular for fishing, walking, pony trekking and picnics, and is visited by ospreys who fish in the water.