Youths target Lydgate Tunnel entrance

The entrance to Lydgate Tunnel

Lydgate Tunnel has been targeted by youths.

The gates to the entrance of the tunnel are normally closed.

However, Saddleworth Parish Cllr Max Woodvine noticed they had been forced open to allow a congregation of youths inside.

This is the latest in a spate of criminal behaviour across Saddleworth and Lees recently..

Cllr Max Woodvine said: “Our dedicated Police Team work very hard, but they have better things to do than worry about the behaviour of young people who should be locked down, in isolation.

"The weather is nice but that’s no excuse to wreak havoc across our villages.

“We’ve also seen a playground torched.

"This is part of a series of vandalism which has happened in just weeks.

"Who is going to replace that equipment, will OMBC have the money?

"Our small children will be deprived because of mindless idiots.

"Parents need to ensure that they know where there children are.”

Sgt Paul Heap said: “The first gate is insecure, although there is a second set further inside that is secure to prevent any access to the tunnel.

"I’ve sent this onto the community safety team to establish who is responsible for the site and then we can request them to make it secure.”

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