Cockermouth Angling Association has called on West Cumbria’s MPs and the public to join the fight to save a popular beauty spot.

Cogra Moss at Lamplugh could be drained and returned to its natural state by United Utilities.

It is one of a number of options being considered by the water company, which says its dam will need refurbishment work before the end of 2016.

The angling association, which has run a fishery at the site since the 1970s, held a committee meeting last week to discuss how to respond to the threat.

The association has written to members to update them on the situation and has sent letters to Workington MP Sue Hayman and her Copeland counterpart Jamie Reed asking them to help.

Jack Abernethy, chairman, is encouraging everyone with an interest in the reservoir to write to United Utilities.

He said: "Whatever their views, they should let United Utilities know so they can fully take it into account in the decision-making process.

"One of the key things they should take into account is public opinion.

"They need the public on their site to support the wider Thirlmere pipeline project."

Cockermouth Angling Association has more than 100 members with more than 100 further non-member season permit holders.

It is also used by people with day tickets.

Dr Abernethy said he would liaise with United Utilities and Friends of the Lake District about the proposal.

He added: "It isn't just the anglers affected. We are getting feedback from the ramblers and pony trekkers. It's a wide spectrum of people who use it."

Mrs Hayman said she was trying to arrange a meeting with United Utilities about issues including Cogra Moss.

She said: "I regularly walk my dog round Cogra Moss so can appreciate that it’s used by anglers on a very regular basis."

United Utilities said previously it was drawing up details of the work needed on the dam as well as considering other options including draining it and returning it to its natural state.

A spokesman said: “We are still assessing the options for making sure the dam at Cogra Moss meets the necessary safety requirements and we’ll know more later this autumn.

"Even if we opt to carry out refurbishment on the dam so that the reservoir can remain, we would need to lower the water level temporarily while this structural work is carried out.

"We have committed to keeping the angling groups and other interested parties informed as our plans develop.”

Cogra Moss has not been used for water supply since the 1970s.