THE Environment Agency has taken action after the firm responsible for a Barnsley reservoir failed to release the required flow - posing a risk of long-term environmental harm.

The incident - which occurred almost five years ago - resulted in flows at a downstream weir at Dunford Bridge being below the requirements of Yorkshire Water’s impoundment licence.

Bosses said the failure was due to a weir gauge and meter not measuring correctly at Winscar, resulting in lower-than-necessary flows.

The Environment Agency discovered this had been a problem for four months, but no direct evidence of damage to the environment has been found.

The £50,000 secured in compensation is enabling site of specific scientific interest (SSSI) restoration and natural flood management work in the Peak District.

It will also contribute to hay meadow management to increase species richness, pond creation for amphibians - including great crested newts - and an ecological survey, monitoring and mapping work to conserve important wildlife like lapwings and curlews.

Martin Christmas, an Environment Agency manager in Yorkshire, said: “While we continue to prosecute and sanction the most serious offences, enforcement undertakings allow companies to put right what went wrong and channel money directly into the environment.

“In this case, £50,000 will be invested back into the local area to enhance the environment, delivering real benefits for the watercourses and wildlife.

“We are continuing to drive meaningful improvements in water company performance, hold persistent offenders to account and ultimately create a cleaner water environment.”