Crowd of 70 dispersed from Rivington by police over Easter Weekend

A group of around 70 people were dispersed by police after gathering at a popular Lancashire beauty spot over the Easter weekend.
A group of around 70 people were dispersed from Rivington Pike over the Easter weekendA group of around 70 people were dispersed from Rivington Pike over the Easter weekend
A group of around 70 people were dispersed from Rivington Pike over the Easter weekend

Police were called to Rivington Pike by the site's heritage trust after the large group came together at the terraced gardens on Friday afternoon (April 2).

Patrols from Chorley attended and worked alongside Greater Manchester Police to break up the group, who were then moved on to the Horwich area.

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The force said the large group had been causing anti-social behaviour, but did not say whether anyone had been fined for breaching lockdown restrictions.

Volunteers from the North West 4X4 Response charity helped provide logistical support to police and fire crews over the Easter weekend at Rivington PikeVolunteers from the North West 4X4 Response charity helped provide logistical support to police and fire crews over the Easter weekend at Rivington Pike
Volunteers from the North West 4X4 Response charity helped provide logistical support to police and fire crews over the Easter weekend at Rivington Pike

The police dispersal was part of a hubbub of action at the Pike over the bank holiday weekend, which saw fire crews tackle a number of small grass fires caused by portable BBQs.

Volunteers from the North West 4X4 Response charity helped provide logistical support whilst United Utilities assisted with access to water supplies.

To prevent further wildfires, Lancashire Police said it us helping develop a public spaces protection order banning the use of outdoor BBQs on the moorland.

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"Fire crews have put out a number of BBQs on the moorland, " said a police spokesman.

"Going forward, the local officer will be working with these agencies to develop a public spaces protection order preventing the use of BBQs and open flames on the moorland.

"Thanks to the partners for their assistance this weekend and thanks to the public for in the main adhering to the current restrictions and enjoying the weekend in a sensible manner.

"Once again the local people have been a credit to the community."

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There have been a number of huge fires on moorland in Lancashire including one on nearby Winter Hill in 2018 which was declared a major incident.

Prior to the Easter weekend, the Rivington Pike heritage trust had asked people not to visit the beauty spot, which is traditionally a gathering point for Good Friday walks.

In addition to the large gathering and grass fires, police search teams were also tasked with finding two missing children, who were later found and reunited with their frantic parents.

During patrols, officers also stopped and seized an off road bike for causing a nuisance to the community.