A NEW action plan for managing the numbers of visitors to problem-hit Dovestones reservoir will bring “much-needed relief” for local residents, it is hoped.

The proposals were outlined at a summit meeting attended by residents, Oldham East MP Debbie Abrahams, and site's managers United Utilities (UU), the RSPB and Oldham Council.

Partners agreed their goal is to work towards a ‘community led visitor strategy.’

Electronic signs, CCTV and new car parking charges could all be part of the solution in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour at the beauty spot.

Other actions may include weekend marshals, traffic assessments, extra volunteer help, a residents forum and social media campaigns. Park and ride, a real time parking app, improved toilets and numberplate checks are longer-term goals.

The MP said: "We agreed wider community engagement is needed to help prioritise action and this will follow an independent traffic assessment in the New Year."

Ross Evans, UU estates boss, thanked all parties for their support and added: "We’ve worked hard to come up with the right solutions for the site."

"This is an ongoing collaboration and we hope that as our action plan is put in place it will bring much needed relief to those who live in and around Dove Stone.”

Mrs Abrahams also said: " There are various hurdles to overcome including how we fund the final action plan.

"But there was a very constructive and co-operative approach in the group which was really positive and I’d like to thank everyone involved for this.

“Clearly we won’t be able to resolve everything overnight, but there’s a real willingness from local people and partners and that’s a great start. I look forward to reviewing progress next February.”

Andrew Taylor, chairman ofGreenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association, said: “I was very heartened by the strategic approach and wide-ranging list of possible measures, associated with the possibility of a resident forum to enhance cooperation.

“As every resident, I hope for the quickest timescale and most generous funding whilst understanding the realities of what must be a large coordinated project with resilience and longevity.”