Cars parked illegally at Todmorden's hidden beach towed away

Cars have been towed away after parking illegally at a popular hidden beach in Todmorden.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Calderldale Community Protection team conducted a joint partnership with police officers at Gaddings Dam.

A number of vehciles were taken away and a large amount of tickets given out by parking services and police.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The seizures come days after a warnings were issued as lockdown restrictions were eased..

Calderdale community teams and police officers dealing with illegally parked carsCalderdale community teams and police officers dealing with illegally parked cars
Calderdale community teams and police officers dealing with illegally parked cars

The number of people who went to Gaddings Dam on the south Pennine hills above Todmorden on one of the hottest days of the year caused a storm on social media.

Poor parking on the country road causes problems for larger vehicles such as buses or emergency vehicles.

Serious concerns were also expressed about social distancing being possible on the small beach next to the dam, with the corinavirus crisis ongoing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In normal times media articles about the dam’s sandy shoreline sun spot – which is tiny and dubbed the UK’s highest beach – have led to serious problems with people from a wide area arriving at the former mill dam to use it.

Todmorden ward councillor and Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Susan Press (Lab) said action was, and will be, taken if either parking restrictions or lockdown restrictions brought in because of the COVID-19 pandemic are breached.

“We will not tolerate the breaking of social distancing or parking rules, as it puts people’s safety at risk.

“Our Community Safety Wardens and Civil Enforcement officers are patrolling throughout Calderdale.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They have issued and will continue to issue fines where people are parking irresponsibly.

“Wardens continue to engage with people to help them understand the lockdown rules.

“If people do not comply, officers will advise and warn if necessary, and legal action may be pursued where there is no other option,” she said.

Coun Press said lockdown and social distancing rules are still in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, which will be present for some time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We must all stay at home as much as possible, and keep a safe two-metre distance from other people when we’re out.

“This remains the most important thing we can all do to protect the NHS and care homes and save lives,” she said.

Drivers face fines of £70 for more serious parking offences, like parking on double yellow lines.