Blithfield Reservoir Construction
River Blithe scheme
The River Blithe Scheme was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1939, giving the company permission to carry out a significant amount of work including:
• Impounding the water in the River Blithe
• Constructing Blithfield Reservoir
• Creating a number of road diversions, including Admaston Road and Watery Lane
• Constructing the Seedy Mill Purification Works
• Extending the existing service reservoirs at Barr Beacon and Gentleshaw
• Laying a trunk main between Blithfield Reservoir and the Seedy Mill works
Replacement for Scout House Reservoir.
In 1928, the Company had to consider an alternative scheme for providing a new reservoir in a favourable site to replace Scout House Reservoir, Hednesford. Several schemes for the reparation of the doomed reservoir had been prepared, but owing to the excessive cost, ranging from £35,000 to £75,000, the Engineer considered the advisability of choosing an entirely new site.
A careful survey of the district near Chestall was made and a probable site selected at a favourable altitude. In order to avoid another white elephant, with coal mines affecting the works, a mining consultant was engaged to report on geological conditions. Negotiations were carried out with the Marquis of Anglesey's Agent for purchase of the ground at Gentleshaw near Cannock. An area of land, six acres, three roods, was secured for £2,000 which included the rights to mines and minerals lying under an area of seventy acres.
Thomas Lowe and Sons of Burton on Trent submitted the winning tender £37,191, to construct the five million gallon, reinforced concrete, covered reservoir on similar principles to Shavers End Reservoir. The site was situated 746 feet above sea level and acted as a balancing reservoir for the Cannock area pumping stations. Its dimensions were length 252 feet, breadth 216 feet, depth 15 feet and it was brought into commission in 1930.