Dovestone Reservoir – Thank you to community & update re persons located.

Dear resident.

I wanted to share with you that whilst out on patrol yesterday evening, I attended Dovestone Reservoir in order to ensure no persons were present and to ensure that our colleagues from GMFRS were not impeded in their continued operations.

I was concerned to see that the road closure barriers and signage at the entrance of Bank Lane jct Holmfirth Road, had been moved to the side of the road. These were quickly realigned to close off the entrance to Dovestone car park.

Upon arrival at the car park I was greeted with a rather surprised group of young men in a vehicle who had travelled from West Yorkshire in order to ‘take pictures’ and have a chance to smoke cannabis in such a lovely setting that Dovestone provides.

All individuals and the vehicle were subject of a stop and search using powers under section 23 MDA. One person who was found in possession of cannabis was subsequently dealt with for the offence. All were removed from the area.

To my further surprise, upon driving out of Dovestones I encountered 3 separate groups of people walking into the area; again these people were quickly removed and informed of the closure of Dovestone and the surrounding moorland/ public footpaths.

I must stress that all persons were visitors to the area and not local residents; so whilst this post is to inform you that I and my Neighbourhood Team (Saddleworth & Lees) patrol the area of Dovestone in its closed phase, and will robustly deal with anyone found there; we also as a team want to thank you all (residents) for your continued support, and your evident assistance you are providing by continuing to stay away from Dovestone, allowing GMFRS to carry out their preventative operations, thank you!

Regards

PS 1650 Andy Holian – Saddleworth & Lees Neighbourhood Sergeant.

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