Residents fear parking 'nightmare' after beauty spot reopens

People living near a Greater Manchester beauty spot fear a return to a "nightmare" of car-jammed roads and litter after the area reopened following a wildfire.

Dove Stone reservoir, near Greenfield in Oldham reopened last week after the blaze burned for more than three weeks.

Residents said the area had previously been plagued by obstructed roads, while visitors also left litter and lit barbecues, raising concerns about access for emergency vehicles - and now they fear a return of the same issues.

Oldham Council said wardens patrolled the area and issued 946 penalty charge notices around the reservoir in 2025. The RSPB, which manages the attraction's car park, said it understood the concerns.

The wildfire began on 11 July and was declared a major incident, with people told to avoid the area while firefighters tackled the blaze.

The incident was stood down on 3 August, although crews remained at the scene for days afterwards.

Karen O'Connor, who has lived near the reservoir for 35 years, said increasing visitor numbers had made conditions worse - and she worried about emergency access.

"It was never like this," she said.

"It takes forever getting out. They just abandon the cars anywhere.

"If something happened to someone up here, they would just be stranded."

Another resident, Natalie Wilde, said litter and barbecues had been persistent problems.

"They can see the signs. They just do not listen," she said.

"They need to be more on top of things. Put more bins out especially around Dovestone. Put more signs around to deter barbecues and fires."

Barbecues, campfires and fireworks are prohibited at the reserve, where visitors have been warned about the risk of wildfire.

The main car park has 117 spaces and four blue badge bays, according to the RSPB.

Councillor Helen Bishop, who represents Saddleworth South, said it was "great" that people could visit the reservoir again but she had "deep-rooted concerns" that it had reopened too soon.

She said a comprehensive plan covering the safety of residents, visitors, wildlife and the environment should have been agreed and communicated first.

The RSPB said high visitor numbers brought benefits for well-being, access to nature and local tourism, but also created challenges.

It urged visitors to park considerately, take their litter home and respect the landscape and nearby residents.

The charity said it was working with United Utilities, Oldham Council and local communities on longer-term plans for the site.

A council spokesperson said permanent double yellow lines had been introduced to try to ease parking problems.

"We want everyone to enjoy our green spaces and countryside – but we also ask that people respect the area and local residents," it said.

"Sadly, problem parking is an issue at many beauty spots across the country, especially when the weather is good."

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