Saddleworth's 'missing' dry stone walls

The scene as stones appear to have been removed from Gelfield Lane in the vicinity of Saddleworth parish church

Are Saddleworth’s distinctive dry stone walls under attack again in raids by callous thieves?

Our picture (above) shows a large section of heritage coping stones have been removed from Gelfield Lane in the vicinity of Saddleworth parish church.

And in a series of posts, concerned locals have expressed fears the community heritage could be at risk.

The hand-built walls feature on roadsides, reservoirs and farms across the villages and are seen as an added attraction for tourists.

A rash of thefts were reported to police and on social media last year.

At the time, a local complained: “These thieves are stealing our heritage. It’s shameful.”

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