Ed Barnes

A moorland fire at Dove Stone Reservoir near Saddleworth has burned an area equivalent to more than 1,250 football pitches and continued for over three weeks. Residents of nearby Greenfield say recurring fires are becoming worse, damaging a treasured landscape and threatening wildlife, while roads remain closed and emergency vehicles are a constant presence. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service continues to treat the blaze as a major incident because hotspots remain despite recent rain. Villagers also want stronger prevention measures, including better regulation, public education and checks for illegal barbecues, while some welcome the temporary reduction in visitor congestion caused by road closures.

A moorland fire at Dove Stone Reservoir near Saddleworth has continued for more than three weeks, burning an area equivalent to over 1,250 football pitches. Greenfield residents say recurring fires are becoming worse and have damaged their sense of connection to the landscape, while firefighters continue to manage hotspots in dry conditions. Road closures and emergency activity have disrupted access, although some residents welcome the temporary reduction in overcrowding and illegal parking. Local businesses have seen little direct impact, but villagers are calling for tighter regulation, better public education and stronger action to prevent fires, including checks on barbecues.

Commuters affected by the closure of several Metrolink tram lines in Greater Manchester are being offered up to 20 minutes of free travel on Starling rental bikes. The shutdown, part of a £150m track replacement project running until early August, has caused significant disruption, with many passengers relying on crowded trains and delayed replacement buses. Transport for Greater Manchester says the work will improve future reliability and is encouraging travellers to plan ahead while promoting walking, cycling, and Bee Network services.