Website is a crushing blow for bikes menace

A new website has been launched to crack down on anti-social behaviour across Oldham’s moorlands.

Moorwatch, a website co-ordinated by Pennine Prospects, aims to act as an online forum where the public can post information about troublesome behaviour.

Locals are being encouraged to upload details and photographs of any anti-social behaviour they see. The site will then be monitored by police and local authorities.

Police are now warning anyone caught driving motorbikes, four-by-fours or vehicles on open moorland or bridalways are in danger of having their vehicles crushed.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts said: “The website has had some fantastic feedback.

“Although it was initially set up to tackle illegal off-road activity on the protected moorland, people are also using it to report fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour.

“Much of our upland area is protected as a site of special scientific interest and it’s illegal to damage these precious sites, which provide a vital habitat for birds and rare plants.”

Over 180 signs have been installed across the South Pennines to warn people of the implications of anti-social behaviour.

“When people go out on to the moors they can feel helpless when they encounter anti-social behaviour, especially if they are from out of the area and are only visiting for the day, but now they have somewhere to go with their information.”

For more information visit www.moorwatch.com.