POLICE are warning motorists to steer clear of visiting one of Oldham’s favourite beauty spots - insisting emergency powers will be deployed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The move comes after police spent the weekend turning would be visitors away from Dovestones reservoir at Greenfield, which a week earlier had witnessed gridlocked car parks.

And although the area now has gates a significant number of travellers tried to gain access to the rolling moors around the fringes of the Peak District National Park.

Sgt Paul Heap, of Oldham division, said: “This is a particularly challenging time and we want to do all that we can to make sure those most at risk within our communities are protected. This means policing with the fundamental principle of consent and to police with the support of the public.

“We are encouraging people to follow the Government’s advice to stay at home and to save the lives of our loved ones. This means only leaving the house for a limited number of reasons and for essential journey’s.

“We understand people want to get out and exercise once a day, and we would encourage people to exercise locally to them and practice social distancing responsibly.

“We do not wish to see, is people wilfully flouting Government advice and congregating in large numbers at beauty spots such as Dovestone. By doing so, you are at risk of spreading the virus and are putting people’s lives at risk.

“Where necessary and where proportionate, we will use emergency powers to enforce new legislation. However, this isn’t something we want to do. We want to work with communities and hope they understand that social gatherings of this kind put extra pressure on already stretched emergency services.”

Quick actions by farmer Chris Crowther saw a blaze peter out on the moors before the arrival of firefighters. But farmers are concerned over visitors at the beginning of the lambing season and dogs off leads posing a threat to flocks.

Cllr Jamie Curley, chair of Saddleworth parish council, said: “Shutting the car parks and police presence on Saturday and patrols on Sundays seemingly had the desired effect of persuading people to stay at home as directed by the Government.”

The Peak District National Park thanked visitors for staying away but urged rights of way to remain open for key workers and residents.