A specialist security team will remain on duty for weekends during the summer at one of the Oldham’s prized beauty spots.

And the decision has been greeted with relief by locals, businesses and emergency services operating at Dovestone Reservoir, Greenfield.

Initially, marshals were drafted in by GMP in an emergency after massive concerns over public safety during the first May spring bank holiday.

Then roads to the site were blocked by vehicles doubled parked, marooning householders and visitors ignored the ban of BBQs and allowed dogs off leads to threaten livestock.

But now councillors serving on Oldham Council have stumped up a £4,560 from their personal allowances to contribute to the safety operation.

They made their pledge for the one-off sum at Saddleworth and Lees District Executive Partnership to help secure the services of the new marshals over the next few months.

Nine councillors will each donate £500 from their individual allowances, with the remainder made up from the Partnership pot.

The money has been added to £1,440 from RSPB, a further £1,440 from United Utilities and an initial £960 from the Peak District National Park Authority.

This will ensure marshals can be at the site as needed every fine weekend until September 9, working an eight-hour shift from 10am-6pm at £240 per day.

United Utilities own the car park which is leased to RSPB and managed by Oldham Council.

PC Lee Cullen told the Partnership meeting: “We've put the marshals in place and given them a remit. The response has been fantastic and it is running very smoothly.

“They meet and greet drivers at the entrance, telling them if the car park is full and reminding them to take their litter away.

“Over the last bank holiday in May, more than 600 cars were stopped as they entered and although the site was busy there were no blockages.

“The marshals are passing on key messages — don’t park anywhere that isn’t a parking bay, don’t take barbecues into the site, take litter home, and keep dogs on a lead.

“There have also been massive reductions in litter,” he added. “There used to be 16-20 bin bags of litter left lying around the boathouse at the reservoir but we’ve managed to get that down to just a few.”

However, PC Cullen added to continue the marshals good work, funding support is needed for long-term.”We we need help for the future.”

Some councillors suggested that should come from Oldham Council, with Councillor John Hudson saying: “Oldham uses Dovestone as a selling point to bring people in to the area so if they have helped to create the problem, they should help to pay for it.”

Councillor Graham Sheldon added: “The introduction of the marshals has controlled a lot of the problems. I’ve had a lot of good comments, including residents who are pleased they can get to their own properties now.

“But long-term Oldham needs to help. They promote Dovestone as the pride of the borough so they need to help pay for it.”

The meeting was agreed there was a need to continue partnership discussions and look at a longer term funding strategy for future years.

Away from meeting, Councillor Garth Harkness commenting on the spate of moorland fires said: “Im glad GMP is taking a firm line in apprehending and prosecuting offenders, some of whom are juveniles.

“I welcome the recent initiative by a coalition of local partners to tackle this behaviour on a long-term basis, particularly in establishing greater security at Dovestone.”