Have a say on beauty spot

VISITORS to a Saddleworth beauty spot are being given the chance to help shape its future.

United Utilities and the RSPB are working together to look at how Dovestone Reservoir can be improved.

Roy Taylor, of the RSPB, said: “Dovestone is an amazing place, with awe-inspiring scenery, beautiful walks and some pretty amazing wildlife.

Interest

“Together with United Utilities, we are inviting as many of its 150,000 visitors-a-year as possible to have their say about what happens to the site.

“We are hoping that Dovestone will eventually become a new style of nature reserve, offering something of interest for everyone.”

Among things being considered are a cafe, a shop with wildlife and garden products, information displays, organised tours and events, a nature-themed playground, cycle hire and shelters.

Peter Sharples, of United Utilities, said: “We can’t promise to do everything that’s suggested but we will look long and hard at the questionnaire.”

Two other consultations are being planned for next month.

Both will be held at Uppermill Civic Hall, with the first on September 4 and the second on September 22, at 7pm.

Take part in the questionnaire at www.rspb.org.uk/dovestone .