'Disgusting' tyre mountain sparks local residents' fury

A mini mountain of used tyres has reignited fresh fury at a Saddleworth beauty spot.

The tyres were dumped near Binn Green at Dovestones reservoir in Greenfield, an area which has been under seige by renegade motorists attempting to break government guidelines and visit the site.

The motorists are turned away by a security team, but locals claim the pile of tyres has grown over a couple of days.

Said one: “The tyres have just been cast over a drystone wall and rolled down the hillside into the trees.

"It’s disgusting. These people have absolutely no care for the countryside.”

And police across two counties are collaborating in a joint operation after shots were heard across farmland in the South Pennines. 

While there have currently been no reports of shooting or sheep being killed, GMP officers and colleagues in West Yorkshire police are keeping watch.

Said a spokesman for GMP Saddleworth and Lees: “We are continuing with our plans and are working with West Yorkshire officers.”

A newly-born lamb was orphaned and its mother is missing in one of a series of incidents involving sheep being targeted in the area.

One upset sheep farmer said: “We know of one ewe is missing.

"We now have an orphan lamb.

“Her mother gave birth in our barn and after a couple of days the couple were put into our field. 

“Sadly the ewe has gone.

"They were both marked with smiley faces as it was a very difficult birth and we were surprised they both survived.”

In another incident a farmer managed to rescue a lamb which was being bundled into a car at the roadside.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing across Saddleworth villages about growing numbers of out of town visitors decending on the community.

Pubs, closed by the virus threat, have discovered families setting up picnics on outside tables and parking areas.

Said one bemused landlord: “It’s bewildering.

"The families can see we are closed but they still try to use out facilities - even though they know they shouldn’t be here.”

A spokesperson for the Dovestone Partnership said: "Dovestone is no different to other parks and recreation sites that are closed to ensure social distancing. 

“The Government advice remains the same - stay local, stay home, save lives.

"Our position hasn't changed. The car parks are shut and if you turn up you will be turned away.”

A National Park spokesman said: “It’s frustrating to see that a small minority of people appear to be using the current government restrictions to undertake illegal fly-tipping, and this is especially disappointing when this takes place in areas carefully looked after for their wildlife.

“The current social distancing measures and travel limitations also mean that action to address incidents such as this may not happen as quickly as the public may wish.

"However, the safety of any teams and individuals involved must understandably be the top priority.

“We would encourage anyone witnessing fly-tipping in the Peak District to contact police via Crimestoppers.”

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