Beauty spot 'ruined by visitors' litter and faeces'

Paul Tissington has lived near Agden Reservoir for 40 years

People living near a Yorkshire Water-owned reservoir have said the area is now plagued by anti-social behaviour - including rubbish and even human faeces being left behind by visitors.

Residents of High Bradfield in Sheffield have raised concerns about tourists lighting fires and changing by the roadside of Agden Reservoir.

The beauty spot became increasingly popular during lockdown and one neighbour whose home overlooks the reservoir said she no longer felt safe as behaviour was a "free for all".

Yorkshire Water, which manages the site, urged people to follow the Countryside Code when visiting and not cause "damage or disturbance".

Yorkshire Water manages the Victorian-era reservoir near Sheffield

The warm, dry spring and summer has led to increasing usage of the reservoir for activities such as wild swimming.

Paul Tissington, 73, has lived next to Agden Reservoir, which was built in 1869, for more than 40 years.

"It used to be very remote. In the winter we barely saw a car," he said.

"All the footpaths were overgrown, it's certainly changed over the years."

Although the retired market trader has broadly welcomed visitors he has also encountered issues.

"It's an idyllic spot. It's free and here for everyone.

"The wild swimmers aren't a problem. They clear away their stuff, but with them other holidaymakers have followed.

"The rubbish is certainly piled up after a weekend. We've had a few intimidating gestures from younger people. They've left disposable barbecues on the path with sausages still on them."

Agden Reservoir in High Bradfield has become an increasingly popular beauty spot for visitors

Another long-term resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There are signs everywhere warning people about the dangers of wild swimming, but still they come in their droves. Most of the signs have even been graffiti'd.

"I don't take my dogs down there now.

"People come for the day, light fires and have barbecues. The rubbish is terrible. I've even seen naked people changing at the roadside.

"There are no toilets here and I've seen human excrement in the woods."

The problems at the resevoir - including public nudity - were originally reported by Yorkshire Live.

Locals say they've seen an increase in tourists using disposable barbecues, which can damage the environment

The drought conditions have led to low water levels that visitors told the BBC made them feel safer using the reservoir.

Aron and Kriszta, originally from Hungary, now live in Sheffield and were visiting Agden.

"With the water so low, you can see what's underneath, it's just rocks, no metal bits and bobs," they said.

The couple were keen to stress that they always "take their rubbish away".

"It's not a beach. We respect that," they added.

"We bring a thermos with icy water, and a picnic not a barbecue. We're here for the water, not the fire."

Kriszta said she had also seen a group of women swimming naked at the beauty spot.

Aron and Kriszta, originally from Hungary, now live in Sheffield and admit the low water levels are a draw

In a statement Yorkshire Water said: "We advise against swimming in our reservoirs due to the dangers they can pose, such as cold water shock, hidden undercurrents and machinery operating under the surface. Additionally, while water levels are low we would advise against walking across mud on newly exposed areas.

"Our ranger teams visit the reservoir regularly to inspect it. They do take litter away/put it in bins if they see it and report any issue to the appropriate authority

"We urge people to follow the Countryside Code when visiting any of our reservoirs, which includes respecting everyone, taking litter home, not lighting fires and only having barbecues in designated barbecue areas, and not causing damage or disturbance."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North