Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

Dovestones Reservoir is rammed today - AGAIN

Dovestones Reservoir is packed with visitors again today, despite repeated warnings asking people to 'stay local'.

At 12.30pm on Sunday police said the car park at the Oldham beauty spot was full and surrounding streets were lined with parked cars.

Parking tickets had been handed out to several cars parked on the pavement.

Writing on the GMP Saddleworth and Lees Facebook police said: "Is your journey necessary? Please stay local and stay safe."

Walkers have been flocking to the reservoir during lockdown, leading to concerns about social distancing.

On Friday GMP, Oldham council and United Utilities, which owns the reservoir, announced police and parking patrols would be stepped up this weekend at Dovestones, to make sure visitors are following lockdown rules.

Police said the car park was full at 12.30pm (Manchester Evening News)

Ross Evans, from United Utilities, said: "The message is simple – if you drive past other parks or green spaces to get here you are travelling too far."

Oldham council leader Sean Fielding said: "Some of the visitors to Dove Stone need to start taking responsibility for their own actions.

Vitistors have been flocking to Dovestones throughout lockdown (Manchester Evening News)

"If you live in Oldham try one of our many parks or green spaces near you rather than getting in your car and possibly having to wait ages for a spot on the car park.

"If you do take a chance and park illegally then you risk a fine."

Several cars were seen parked on the pavement (Manchester Evening News)

Supt Andrew Sidebotham, who is leading GMP's response to Covid-19, said: "I would urge the public to think before travelling and ask those who can to stay local if possible.

"Certain places of beauty and areas can get extremely busy, making social distancing difficult and a high number of people in on area increases the rate at which the virus can spread."

Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.