Vision for the future of Dovestone unveiled

AN exciting vision which would turn Dovestone into the “great escape” for millions of people has been revealed.

Roy Taylor, the RSPB’s conservation manager for northern England, said they planned to lease the land around the reservoir, including the sailing club, car parks and toilet blocks, from United Utilities.

And, in addition to the site being developed for traditional activities, there would be huge opportunities for people to be involved in having their say on bringing new ideas and making it a vibrant and diverse destination.

He told the Saddleworth south PACT meeting: “We have already started a rigorous consultation to listen to people’s views.

“We want Dovestone to become a regional asset — a green lung for Saddleworth, Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester.

“We are planning a series of public meetings to ensure that as many people as possible can air their views and be part of Dovestone’s future.

“They may want to suggest park-and-ride schemes, new café facilities, natural play areas or investing in fun and learn options and fighting climate change.

“We see Dovestone as the front door to the countryside and we want it available to everyone.”

He said that so far there had been a positive feedback from secondary schools in Oldham who could see projects in Dovestone becoming part of their core curriculum and work for students on the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme.

There were plans to include a community conservation officer and, hopefully, in five years to see a new partnership visitor centre.

“This could become part of a wider tourist visitor operation,” he explained, “linking to a set of tourist centres around Saddleworth. We want to enhance and share the experience for every visitor to Dovestone.”

The second part of the consultation will be to produce a visitor experience plan and public meetings, outlining the RSPB’s proposals and giving residents an opportunity to comment, will be held in September at Uppermill Civic Hall.

Insp Danny Milovanovic, who heads the Saddleworth and Lees township for GMP, praised the new PACT initiative.

He said: “I am very excited about the opportunities it gives the police, council, other agencies and the community to work together.

“My officers and PCSOs are already examining issues raised by local residents and bringing them to the attention of the authorities.”

Locals who attended the meeting highlighted issues including parking, the turn-round for buses in Uppermill and broken pavements all which are being investigated.