Fire risk warning on Pennine moorland

Date article online: 19/07/2006

Walkers across Rochdale borough are being asked to keep to footpaths during the current hot weather, to protect the moorland from the risk of fire.

The Countryside Agency has introduced a restriction on areas opened up to public access last year under the Countryside amp; Rights of Way Act. This covers only a small area of the moorland in Rochdale, at Tunshill, Windy Hill and in the Ogden valley. However care is needed across a much broader area.

Rochdale Council's Countryside amp;Rights of Way Officer, Dave Brennan said: "The exceptional hot weather over recent days has left the ground very dry. Carelessly discarded litter, such as glass bottles or cigarette butts can easily cause fires. These can be devastating to wildlife as well as threatening homes and tying up fire services unnecessarily.

"Thousands of acres of moorland across the borough are enjoyed by walkers every day. We apologise that it is necessary to restrict access in a small area, but it is vital that visitors respect the moors at this time."

The restriction on Open Access land is likely to be lifted when weather and ground conditions are no longer exceptional.

For further information call the Open Access helpline: 0845 100 3298, quoting Case Number 2005060174.