Social distancing: Dovestone to close tonight
Date published: 23 March 2020
Dovestone Reservoir will close to visitors today (Monday)
United Utilities is to close all its reservoir and recreational site car parks from tonight, as official advice to observe social distancing is stepped up.
The move follows similar decisions by other landowners who have seen a surge in visitors due to the fine spring weather.
Toilets, car parks and other gated entrances will be shut from tonight.
Paula Steer is United Utilities’ director responsible for health and safety and estate management.
She explained the reason for the move, saying: “We’re sorry to be doing this as we know these sites are enjoyed by so many and it’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly.
"We really need to think about the well-being of everyone in our communities at the moment, and that means avoiding unnecessary travel or close contact with those outside your household.
“While getting out and enjoying the fresh air is still important for us all, we need to restrict the numbers of visitors travelling to popular sites like Dovestone and Rivington.
"Over the weekend the car parks were heaving and people were mixing in large numbers.
“For that reason we are closing the car parks at all of our sites and we appeal to people not to drive to them.
“Of course, much of our land has open access and we don’t want to stop people walking in the fresh air. If you live locally you can still walk to our sites and exercise your dog, but please keep a safe two-metre distance from others.
“These are difficult times, but they won’t last forever.
"We look forward to reopening the car parks and welcoming everyone back to our estates as soon as the official advice changes.”
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Police swoop on £1m cannabis farm in Royton
- 2'An absolute disgrace' - callous fly-tippers dump rubbish at cemetery entrance
- 3Greater Manchester Police's Operation AVRO officers' hectic day of action in Oldham
- 4Police's Operation AVRO day in Oldham sees criminals arrested and engagement with community
- 5Government issues statement on clean air zone