Marshals will tackle ‘chaos’ at beauty spot
TRAFFIC AND RESERVOIR DAY TRIPPERS AFTER BANK HOLIDAY COMPLAINTS
MARSHALS have been drafted in by police to manage traffic and day-trippers at a popular beauty spot after a series complaints on Bank Holidays.
Police in Saddleworth, Oldham, said the move would help tackle ‘issues that have been prevalent’ at Dove Stone Reservoir.
The marshal scheme will be in place today after ‘chaos’ at the site was reported when thousands of day-trippers visited on the May Day holiday earlier this month amid a heatwave.
As reported in the M.E.N, some residents were blocked in their drives as hundreds of motorists ignored yellow lines and parking restrictions.
Litter was also left strewn over the moors surrounding the reservoir.
The reported problems, which residents said were endured on Sundays as well as Bank Holidays when the weather is good, also followed a huge moorland fire in the area which led to a series of arrests.
Police said the marshals started work on Saturday and would be based at the entrance to the site and at gates which lead down to the boating club.
Writing on Facebook GMP Saddleworth and Lees said: “Saturday 26th May 2018 sees the launch of the Dove Stone Marshal Scheme at Dove Stone in the Peak National Park.
“The marshals will be at both the entrance to the site and also at the gate which leads to the boating club. The Dove Stone partners at the site are very hopeful that the introduction of the marshals will assist in tackling issues that have been prevalent at the site over the last month.” Residents say the area can’t cope with the sheer number of cars and people trying to get on the site at weekends and Bank Holidays, with issues said to be specific to the Bank Lane area. The marshal scheme is the culmination of meetings held between police the RSPB, the fire service and others to discuss ways of tackling the problems. Warnings over starting barbecues in the tinder-dry moorland conditions were also issued after the blaze ravaged acres of grassland. The development has been welcomed in the area. Writing in response to the announcement on Facebook Susan Hughes said: “Good news indeed. Been in and out today with no visible problems so all good so far. Thank you.” Saddleworth and Lees police