SCORES of motorists defied the first weekend of the new lockdown and government appeals not travel by clogging up a controversial beauty spot.

They drove to Dovestone Reservoir at Greenfield Saddleworth and by 11.30am on Saturday the car park was full and a decision to close the entrance had been taken because of the dangerous icy conditions.

On Friday, United Utilities underlined the government’s warning NOT to travel to their sites - including beleaguered Dovestone.

A spokesperson said: “The message from government is that people should not be travelling to exercise and we are reiterating that at all of our sites including Dovestone.

“We're also reminding visitors they need to observe social distancing, stay in their household bubbles and observe the countryside code.

“We'll be reviewing the situation again over Dovestone after the weekend.”

A team of Dovestone marshals have been on duty every weekend at the site since last year and will remain duty at the beauty spot over the weekend.

Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham, leading GMP's response to Covid-19, said: "Officers continue to police using the four Es approach -  engage , explain, encourage, enforce - and will patrol hotspot areas where the public report large or repeated breaches of regulations.

" I would urge the public to think before travelling and ask those who can to stay local if possible.

"Certain places of beauty and areas can get extremely busy, making social distancing difficult and a high number of people in on area increases the rate at which the virus can spread.

"Protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS by staying at home if possible."

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