GREATER Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will make a fact-finding visit to listen to issues surrounding a beleaguered iconic beauty spot.

He made the promise after receiving an impressive Oldham Times dossier detailing key problems surrounding Dovestone Reservoir ravaged by moorland fires and blighted by visitors.

Mr Burnham came to Oldham to host an “Ask Andy” public question time session supported by a team of senior officials including GMP's chief constable and Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding.

He had initially promised to visit Dovestone more than 17 months ago after demands by The Oldham Times for more “boots on the ground” to tackle problems at the Greenfield site.

But, at the close of the public meeting, Dr Andrew Taylor, chair of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association in company with The Oldham Times, asked the Mayor when he would fulfil his promise to visit.

Mr Burnham listened intently as Dr Taylor, a senior member of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, encapsulated concerns in Dovestone and Chew Valley including fires, parking , anti social behaviour and planning concerns.

And, clutching the Oldham Times file, the Mayor said : “I will keep my promise and definitely visit.”

Dr Taylor said: “The mayor readily accepted his attendance could add great weight behind the efforts of the marshals, paid and voluntary, the ground staff from RSPB and UU, other volunteers and the fire service who have all stepped up their game to keep the area free from fire.

“His presence would help validate the financial support need for the ongoing protection of the area and hopefully reinforce the message to the public that the area is valuable and is monitored.

“He also expressed readiness to listen to residents’ views on the proposals for housing development on the Fletchers Mill site.

“Mayoral support for local proposals chimes well with his earlier view on the value of local involvement in planning, “ added Dr Taylor.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, who recently visited Dovestone said: “I will do everything in my power to make sure Government offer support.”

After the meeeting Cllr Fielding underlined the council’s commitment to provide funding for the Dovestone Marshals who patrol the area during busy weekend periods.

But last weekend, a walker at Dovestone reported a discarded, charred barbeque dumped near a large sign warning BBQs are banned at the site.

At the well-attended meeting at Oldham’s Cotton Rooms Mayor Burnham delivered an impressive and relaxed series of answers to some difficult questions.

He highlighted the North-South divide with the South-East receiving the most consideration and the most financial support. The topics covered planning, green belt, housing, transport, crime, Boris and Brexit.