The first phase of a mass fish rescue is under way at Chasewater Reservoir, which is being drained to allow dam safety work to be carried out.

Contractors have been working on site to catch samples of fish and assess their health before decisions are made regarding their safe release.

But the fish will not be returned to waters at Chasewater Country Park, as it will take between two and three years for the beauty spot to recover and be able to support a healthy fish population.

A billion gallons of water are being drained out of the reservoir to allow a major programme of work to be carried out to the eastern dam.

Part of this work includes the removal and relocation of thousands of fish from the reservoir.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s deputy leader, said: “The first stage of the fish rescue got under way on Friday when contractors caught a sample of fish to check the general health of the population.

“On the day, they caught and took away a batch of pike, perch and roach.

“These are now being checked to see where Chasewater Reservoir’s fish population can be released.”

She added: “Once we have got the results back from the contractors, British Waterways and the Environment Agency will agree where the fish can be released.”

The operation is being updated at www.lich fielddc.gov.uk/chasewa terdamblog