Our village is so special people drive like crazy to get here… but there is a drawback that is driving us to distraction
RESIDENTS say their village is so special that people drive like crazy to get there – but a drawback is driving them to distraction.
Dovestones, a lakeside village on the edge of the Peak District, is home to stone cottages, lush views and traditional pubs and butchers.
People from Manchester and West Yorkshire flock to the village, which is a perfect starting point for a hike around Saddleworth Moor.
The reservoir car park is only large enough to cater for villagers – so visitors from out-of-town park outside homes or illegally on double yellow lines and grass verges.
One local told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s just gridlocked. And there are quite a few accidents with people slowing down trying to find a parking place.”
Resident Louise Donnelly said: “There are no wardens on. We are telling people to move in case we need to get the emergency services through.
“However, we are getting shouted at, sworn at, and it’s the same story all the time.”
Neighbour Debbie Tompkins said: “We get loads of walkers coming past gawking in the window.
“I’m getting quite rude in my old age, so I say to them ‘It’s five for a look, 10 for a stare’.
“They drive like d***heads, they park all along the lane. You couldn’t get an ambulance up here if you needed one.”
Visitors also risk setting off moor fires by lighting barbecues – and dogs let off their leads worry the livestock.
One resident said: “I used to walk my dog there all the time, but there’s no pleasure in going any more.
“They put double yellow lines down from here to the Yorkshire border, but people just ignore them.
“People just need to respect the countryside and the people who live here.”
United Utilities, which owns Dovestones Reservoir, said: “We remind all visitors to park considerately when visiting the recreation site and to be respectful to the local community and environment.”
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