Partygoers flout lockdown rules at Wigan nature reserve

Despite government guidelines banning mass gatherings of people, ravers were spotted visting Amberswood Nature Reserve in Hindley recently.

Residents raised the alarm after seeing a group of people partying in the beauty spot.

Video footage posted on social media shows the young people singing and dancing at the nature reserve before it then shows them partying back at home.

Volunteers have also had to pick up rubbish including balloons and drinks bottles left by the group at the popular walking area.

A Hindley resident, who sent the video footage and pictures to the Wigan Post and asked not to be named, described the group’s behaviour as “appalling.”

She said: “I don’t know how many were there but a lot have been identified and reported to the police .

“Their behaviour was appalling during lockdown.

“The mess the group left behind was disgraceful.

“Hopefully none of the wildlife came to any harm .”

The 160 hectare nature reserve lies at the heart of Greenheart and consists of a series of small lakes, ponds, woodlands and wetlands, including a Site of Biological Importance.

The area has many different environments to discover, from woodlands to wildflowers meadows, grasslands to wetlands. This mosaic of habitats support many birds, insects and mammals.

Coun James Tablot, who represents the area on Wigan Council, said the perpetrators were “irresponsible” and hoped they would be fined.

He said: “This is setting things back for everyone living in the surrounding area.

“It’s irresponsible and unless the police get a grip, things like this will continue.

“My son was walking his dog who got cuts from the bottles and cans that have been left there.

“I hope they’re all punished and fined.”

He added: “Behaviour such as this is outrageous and it’s only ruining things for people who use the nature reserve to go walking.”

A police spokesman said: "At around 7pm on Friday, May 8, police received a report of an earlier breach of Covid-19 restrictions at Amberswood Nature Reserve."