UNITED Utilities has received a cash boost of more than £600,000 after a former water tower and cottage sold at auction.

High Legh water tower in Warrington Road sold at auction for £280,000 with approved plans to transform it into a unique four-bedroom home with a conservatory and garage.

It is the end of an era for the water tower, which will be converted into a dream home after being built in 1938 to help improve local water pressure.

Mellor Braggins also sold the neighbouring water tower cottage to a different bidder for £331,000 at the same auction at Cottons Hotel in Manchester Road.

The water tower became redundant when United Utilities built a new pumping station at Bucklow Hill Trevor Hosking, United Utilities property development manager, said: “It’s great to see these buildings start their new lease of life.

“We’re delighted that the properties have sold, and we’re sure they will make wonderful projects and beautiful homes for their new owners.”

The new owners may have been inspired by an episode of Grand Designs on Channel 4, which saw a developer convert a water tower in Lambeth into a six-bedroom home.

Stories suggest that during the Second World War an anti-aircraft gun was stationed on the roof of the tower overlooking and protecting the former army camp, which has since been replaced by the housing development known as The Belfry.

It is not yet known what United Utilities will spend the £611,000 on.