Fines handed out to Wigan quarry visitors for breaking lockdown restrictions

Officers were called to East Quarry at Appley Bridge after a number of people accessed it recently.

Some were discovered to have been lighting barbeques in the woodland and swimming in dangerous waters while under the influence of alcohol.

They have been issued with fines for breaching the lockdown rules and a dispersal notice has been issued for the area around the quarry.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Ormskirk and Rural West Lancs Police, said: "Following a number of people accessing the quarry at Appley Bridge several people have been fined for breaching the covid legislation and a dispersal notice has been issued for the area around the quarry.

"Lighting barbecues in the woodland and swimming in dangerous waters while under the influence of alcohol is reckless.

"The dispersal notice gives police the powers to order people out of the area and seize anything they have that can be used for antisocial behaviour.

It comes after officers told several groups to leave the quarry last month after saying many had travelled there from Liverpool or Southport.

They fined a group and three people for breaching the Government's rules imposed during the Covid-19 outbreak.

And despite popular Appley Bridge beauty spot Fairy Glen being closed to the public, police said people have been fined for parking irresponsibly and causing a danger on Wednesday (May 20). A number of people have been isued with parking notices.

West Lancashire Borough Council took the decision to close Fairy Glen on public health grounds after consulting with Lancashire Police.

The authorities said the glen, which is a popular place for a walk with its streams and waterfalls, is a small area and it has proved impossible for visitors to stick to the Government's social distancing guidelines while there.