Crackdown on reservoir trouble 'hotspot'

Councillors said the area next to Sykes Reservoir was subject to recurring reports of drug-taking, anti-social behaviour and illegal fishing

New measures are being taken to clampdown on a trouble "hotspot" near a Stockport reservoir.

Councillors had raised concerns about unauthorised camping, fishing and anti-social behaviour around Sykes Reservoir in Alexandra Park, Edgeley.

Reports of noise disturbances, littering and the abuse of drugs and alcohol were "recurring, disruptive and deeply detrimental to the quality of life for those that live near the reservoir," Councillor Asa Caton said.

At a Town Hall meeting on 10 July he brought forward a motion calling for a public space protection order (PSPO), which grants powers to tackle certain anti-social activities or behaviours.

The motion stated: "GMP [Greater Manchester Police] and the EA [Environment Agency] have performed joint operational visits recently with limited success."

'Protect residents'

Mr Caton said: "We have explored other avenues, we've increased signage, engaged with local angling groups and stepped up patrols, but the problems persist, so a PSPO would give us the legal framework to prohibit overnight fishing and the associated behaviours, with appropriate exemptions and enforcement mechanisms.

"It would send a clear message that we are listening to our residents and taking action to protect their interests."

Dan Oliver, Stockport Council's cabinet member for communities, culture and public protection, said he had already started to arrange a meeting to progress with the PSPO before the motion was brought up at the 10 July, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He added council officers had requested more evidence about the need for the order and in the last six weeks had received "a series of reports that will justify" the move.

Greater Manchester Police was approached for comment.