Moorland warning

Walkers and motorists travelling over the moors surrounding Saddleworth’s villages over the bank holiday weekend have been urged to take extra care.

In recent weeks fierce fires have destroyed hundreds of acres of valuable breeding sites for rare birds and wildlife. Authorities fear with the forecast of good weather over the weekend, there could be a massive influx of tourists.

The Peak District National Park, which covers Dovestone, and the National Trust which has an estate at Marsden Moor, have already warned visitors of the danger of fires.

A couple of week ago, a large section of moor was destroyed at Stanedge and notices on fire dangers have been issued in a bid to curb any outbreaks.