DOZENS of people defied British Waterways to take a dip in a reservoir during the warm weather.

More than 100 protesters swam in Sparth Reservoir between Marsden and Slaithwaite.

British Waterways installed a new ‘no swimming’ sign at the site last month.

The organisation said a by-law banned people from going into the reservoir.

But campaigners claim swimmers have used Sparth Reservoir for decades.

The group Save Sparth Swimming has uncovered 12 Examiner articles which refer to people swimming in the reservoir. The earliest story is from 1950.

A report from June 28, 1971 reads: “Only 102 swimmers turned out for the Huddersfield and District ASA open water test at Sparth Reservoir near Marsden yesterday.

“The reason for this low entry was the poor weather – the temperature of the water was 55 degrees and there was a very strong wind and intermittent showers which made conditions unpleasant for the swimmers.”

And Save Sparth Swimming held its third Splashmob in a month on Saturday as the Colne Valley basked in unusually warm weather.

Organiser Fiona Weir said: “We were delighted with the turnout at our third Splashmob.

“This shows that our campaign has massive local support.

“Sparth is such a special swimming spot, with a long and unique history. We are still hopeful that British Waterways will realise what a fantastic opportunity they have here.”

Save Sparth Swimming plan to meet representatives of British Waterways and Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney.

Ms Weir said: “We hope the waterways manager will see for himself how perfect Sparth is for swimming.

“We know it is not usual for British Waterways to allow swimming in the water they manage, but for decades they have treated Sparth differently, and we hope we can remind them why it is such a special case.”

Save Sparth Swimming is planning a fourth Splashmob for the end of the month – possibly with a Halloween theme.