Wigan Council and police take action to thwart illegal rave

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has tweeted that dispersal orders are in place for the Haigh and Ince areas this weekend.

The town hall received intelligence about the rave which was due to take place on Friday evening.

In response the council closed a number of roads in the area at Whelley, Red Rock and Meadow Pit Lane.

The only vehicles able to get into Haigh on Friday night will be those driven by residents, and access will be solely via Haigh Road at the Balcarres Arms.

An officer will check each vehicle.

GMP strongly advised any residents thinking of attending a large party to make other plans.

A tweet posted on GMP Wigan's account read: "Officers in Wigan are urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave or large outside gathering this weekend to stop and think.

"These events are unacceptable, they put lives at risk and they will not be tolerated. We have a dispersal order in place in the Ince and Haigh areas this weekend under a dedicated policing plan."

The local authority thanked residents for their co-operation and urged people to stay safe.

There have been issues with illegal raves being held across Greater Manchester during lockdown. One event took place at Bickershaw Country Park in May and left the area strewn with horrendous amounts of litter, including human waste.