Group of five face huge fine after having barbecue at Dovestone Reservoir

Five men enjoying a barbecue in the sun had their fun cut short yesterday by police at Dovestone Reservoir. They are now facing fines worth up to £2,500 for what was deemed as antisocial behaviour by the authorities.

All of the group were caught out by fire services and police for Saddleworth and Lees. Taking a barbecue onto the moors ‘poses a huge risk of fire’, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Greater Manchester Police took to social media urging other not to follow suit.

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The Facebook post from GMP said: “Earlier today, five males were caught by GMP Saddleworth & Lees and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) having a BBQ at Dovestone Reservoir. Their details were taken for prosecution with fines up to £2,500 for breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order.

“Please do not be tempted to do this! Despite the warm weather, we can't stress enough the importance of never having a barbecue on the moors or in the countryside - it poses a huge risk of fire and is also a risk to the environment.”

It comes a couple of weeks after a large fire and police presence was called out to another group having a barbecue at the beauty spot. Officers at the time on July 29 said eight men were spoken to and had their details taken with a view to being prosecuted.

And the incident comes after a series of fires on land near to the reservoir in recent weeks. Between Sunday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 12 - five fires are understood to have been started deliberately near to the car park.

Traces of accelerant have been found at three of the 'seats' - where the blazes are believe to