Tickets as reservoir warnings ignored

DOVESTONES Reservoir was packed with visitors again yesterday, despite repeated warnings asking people to ‘stay local’.

At 12.30pm 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.

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.

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.”

Supt Andrew Sidebotham, who is leading GMP’s response to Covid19, 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.”