FISHERMEN and nature lovers alike are “devastated” as the water level of a much-loved reservoir has suddenly fallen following reports of vandalism.

Withins Reservoir in Radcliffe, known locally as Little Res, was drained to dramatically low levels last week before a leak was identified and plugged.

The sluice gate, which controls the flow of water in the reservoir, appears to have been activated leaving its population of fish in urgent need of rescuing.

But the private owner has confirmed that the draining of the reservoir has now stopped and, according to authorities, relocating the fish is no longer required.

Radcliffe East councillor Rhyse Cathcart said he was made aware of the lower water levels on Friday but suspects the damage was done a few days earlier.

He contacted the Environment Agency who inspected the site, spoke to its owner and planned a fish rescue due to take place in the coming days.

But he said the council cannot act itself as the reservoir is privately owned.

He said: “I can remember fishing there as a child. It’s a terrible tragedy.

“I can’t understand why somebody would mindlessly vandalise something to such a degree. It’s been there for years and years. Everybody used it.

“I would urge the landowner to make it right and put it back.”

Fellow ward councillor James Mason said he is “appalled” at what has happened at Withins Reservoir over the last week.

Responding to claims that the reservoir was purposely drained with future development in mind, he noted that the site south of Elton Reservoir would be protected under the latest version of the region’s controversial housing plans.

Cllr Cathcart warned residents to be cautious with social media speculation.

He said: “There’s conspiracy theories that it has been done on purpose to be used as landfill and be sold off to developers in the long term.

“I think people need to be very careful that they’re not putting themselves in libellous situations.”

A fisheries officer from the Environment Agency, which is responsible for the regulation of fish movements in England, visited the site on Wednesday.

A spokesman said: “We received reports of vandalism on the sluice gate at Withins Reservoir.

“It was reported that the sluice had been activated which started to lower the water level in the reservoir.

“To secure the safety of the fish, we actively issued a Section 27A under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act to allow the reservoir’s owner to relocate the fish.

“We have since been informed by the owner that the draining of the reservoir has now ceased and that the removal of the fish is no longer required.”

The company which owns the reservoir has been contacted for comment.

If a member of the public sees a fish in distress it can be reported to the Environment Agency using its free 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.