ENFORCEMENT officers have stepped up a ticketing blitz to combat lawbreaking motorists at a hugely popular Oldham beauty spot.

The move follows an upwards spiral of complaints from residents living near picturesque Dovestone Reservoir at Greenfield.

Now, in the wake of a high level meeting with agencies managing Dovestone and local officials, Jamie Curley, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council and an Oldham ward councillor declared: “ I will do all I can to help the situation from escalating.

“There are major overcrowding issues from visitors often well outside the immediate area, and in particular from Leeds, Bradford and further afield.

“This is a direct consequence of the promotion of Dovestone as a ‘destination’ on social media,” he claimed.

“Traffic restrictions and yellow lines have had some effect on the dangerous situation and this is set to be extended with yellow lines active at The Clarence roundabout end of the A635 Manchester Road.

“The major weapon is enforcement and I gained agreement at the meeting this was to be increased, particularly when we know the weather is going to be fine.

“The enforcement team tell me between June 3rd and 30th this year they issued 456 penalty charge notices as against only 53 in the same period last year.

“There was also agreement on increasing the provision of Marshals and the frequency of litter disposal from the area, particularly the car park area and provision of larger litter bins to prevent overflowing of the current ones.

“With these and increased enforcement activity I hope some of the issues will get better as people also find other activities and areas to visit as restrictions are eased.”

He added: “I am keeping on top of this and will do all I can to help the situation from escalating.”

Visitors are advised to remember the "countryside code" and respect, safeguard the countryside and wildlife and remember that this is also a place where people live.

Local campaigner David Wheeler said: "I was on the A635 on Sunday and there was a significant number of cars parked on double yellow lines and obstructing the pavements and entrances.

“The traffic enforcement officers were present and tickets were being issued — they were doing a great job.

“However I returned at 5:15pm and by then a new influx of cars had arrived and the enforcement officers had left.

“My belief is enforcement officers have to make multiple visits if the message is going to get across. These motorists would not park in central Manchester for three hours on double yellow lines, so why park here?”