FURIOUS locals are demanding a tough crackdown after hundreds of motorists and sightseers visitors causing chaos at one of Oldham’s favourite beauty spots.

They say a parking fines blitz is needed to discourage illegal parking near Dovestone Reservoir, Greenfield and vehicles causing obstructions should face being towed away.

The latest surge of protests came on Bank Holiday Monday, the main A635 Greenfield to Holmfirth road was almost impassable with double parked vehicles.

A professional security team controlled entry to the reservoir’s car park but renegade drivers jammed country lanes, gates to farms and access points around the reservoir.

There were no toilet facilities open at the site and in the aftermath, piles of refuse-filled bags were abandoned despite signs urging visitors to take rubbish home.

Angry locals took to social media demanding action with one saying: “There should at very least be ticketing where the vehicles are parked alongside double white lines.

“They are there for a reason in spots where there is more danger from crossing over the centre double lines in one particular direction - or both - usually because of the bends.”

And bags of rubbish were discarded at the site despite notices urging visitors to take their rubbish home.

Local community champion David Wheeler said: “The whole site needs to be re-examined and discussed.

“If Dovestone is to be marketed as a place for hundreds who visit it needs more amenities. Large little bins, for example, like Blackpool Promenade.”

Oldham Council says it is working hard with other partners, United Utilities and the RSPB, to resolve issues at Dovestones.

“We are in regular contact with all parties involved in the running of the site,” said a council spokesman.

“Prior to the bank holiday we said the reopening of Dovestone will be welcomed by residents and we expect it to get busy over the coming days.

‘If you do decide to visit think about your health and that of others - you must social distance.

“You also need to think about the people who live in the area and the countryside. Don’t park irresponsibly and do not endanger life and the moors by taking barbecues up there.

“Services are already stretched due to the Coronavirus so we all need to work together at this time.”

I Have received these attritional pictures overnight taken of rubbish left a Dovestones on Monday evening. There are demands for bigger bins on the style of seaside resorts. the picture at Binn Green was taken Tuesday afternoon and shows motorists ignoring signs at the scene. You will recall, after 18 months of requests, the mayor of greater manchester Andy burnham with MP Debbie abrahams visited Dovestones and met with all agencies and partners : any progress ?