Councillor Asa Caton said the area has become a ‘hotspot’ for trouble in the last few years.
Sykes Reservoir in Stockport.
New measures are being taken to clamp down on unauthorised camping, fishing, and anti-social behaviour near a Stockport reservoir.
Councillors in the borough raised concerns during a town-hall meeting on July 10 about incidents taking place around Sykes Reservoirs in Alexandra Park, Edgeley.
Councillor Asa Caton said the area has become a ‘hotspot’ for trouble in the last few years, with reports of noise disturbances, littering, and the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
“They are not isolated incidents, they’re recurring, disruptive, and deeply detrimental to the quality of life for those that live near the reservoir,” he said.
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He brought forward a motion calling for a public space protection order (PSPO) to tackle the issues.
This offers powers for authorities to tackle certain anti-social incidents or behaviours.
Councillors discussed the issues at a town-hall meeting.
The motion stated: ‘These issues include litter being left behind (incl. fishing paraphernalia), fires being lit, damage and stripping of trees, loud noise throughout the night keeping residents awake and other relevant ASB [anti-social behaviour.
‘GMP [Greater Manchester Police] and the EA [Environment Agency] have performed joint operational visits recently with limited success.’
The motion also highlighted ‘the hard work and determination of the Edgeley Park Angling Association as stewards of one the finest assets in Edgeley and the borough.’
Coun Caton added: “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.”
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Coun 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 July 10 meeting.
He added that 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.