I am sorry to report that we are going to start locking the top gate "out of hours" at Kirkby Moor following police advice. A pedestrian gate will be fitted, so for the early starters or dusk visitors, parking will have to be on the roadside. A layby is only just down the road from the entrance gate. For most of the daylight hours the track will be usable as per usual.
We have been plagued by increasing amounts of littering in the car park - cans, bottles, fast food packaging, faceces, condoms etc over the last 18 months, but recently it would appear drug taking is becoming more common and the behaviour more unpredictable. The bird hide screens took a bit of a battering the other evening and the track across the heath has become a rally track. Even the sheep hurdles have been stolen.
The top gate may have to be locked at any time if the problem persists, but we will do our best to keep the gate open and we will keep reviewing the situation. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
If anybody sees suspicious behaviour around any of the Kirkby reserves could you let me know. All information treated with the strictest confidence. The main culprits seem to be in a black BMW 3 series which looks much too flash for the occupants, a burgundy Renault, possibly a Megane and a silver(?) hot hatch with a very loud exhaust.
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