Mounting tide of rubbish blights beauty spot

Man on a mission . . . Peak District NationalPark area ranger Andy Valentine

‘Blow the whistle on litter louts’


Oldham’s environment chief is urging day-trippers to shop litter louts who are blighting a popular beauty spot.

The stern move comes after conservationists revealed Dovestone reservoir is turning into a green and septic landscape because of mounting tides of rubbish.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “If the public sees fly-tipping they can take a photograph with their mobile phone, or note the registration if a vehicle is involved, and inform us.”

In one sweep of a 150-yard stretch bordering the reservoir, a Peak District National Park ranger collected 10 huge bags of rubbish.

The unsavoury haul included battered trainers and flip-flops, scores of beer bottles and cans, plastic water carriers and remains of barbecued food.

The reservoir, which sits in a stunning setting above Greenfield, hosts more than 250,000 visitors a year. But the recent spell of sunshine has seen the amount of litter dumped around the water’s edge treble.

The credit crunch is being cited as one theory for the massive increase in litter as more people take breaks at home.

Andy Valentine, the Peak District National Park’s area ranger, said: “I have never seen such a vast amount of rubbish dumped here on a daily basis in my 18 years’ service.”

Mr Valentine has spent part of every working day shifting litter. “The actual amount is bewildering,” he added.

“Bins are full-to-overflowing and although they are emptied regularly, visitors don’t seem to understand they should take litter home with them.

“Instead, if bins are full, they simply stack rubbish next to them. Even worse, some just leave litter spread over the rocks and grass at the edge of the reservoir itself.

“I have even seen people who bring food to feed sheep grazing near the reservoir simply throw the wrappers to the ground. The lessons on litter need to start at home. As it is, the few are spoiling the pleasure for many.

“We actively encourage people to visit, celebrate and share the countryside. But they need to have a real sense of care for the environment.”

A senior spokesman for the Peak District National Park authority added: “Litter is becoming an increasing problem.

“We would urge all visitors to take their rubbish home and bring larger items to their local council’s household waste recycling centre.”

School teacher Christine Chadderton, who was taking a group of youngsters on a visit to Dovestone, said: “It gives children the completely wrong impression of the countryside.”

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team had to stretcher a man to hospital by helicopter after he fell from rocks at the reservoir last week.

The team’s deputy leader, Denzil Broadbent, said: “The rescue site was littered with beer cans and the down wash from the helicopter sent them spinning everywhere. One even hit a paramedic.”

l Report fly-tippers on 0161-770 6644.