Neighbours' frustration as crowds flock to Trimpley Reservoir

Neighbours surrounding the beauty spot, near Bewdley, say there has been an influx of visitors to the reservoir and nearby Eymore Wood since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Trimpley Reservoir has seen a huge influx of visitors since lockdown restrictions were eased

They say the stream of visitors is causing traffic congestion on the roads, while safety concerns have been raised over a lack of social distancing at the site and the number of people swimming in the reservoir, having parties and lighting barbecues.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told The Shuttle: "It's horrendous what’s been going on – the lack of management, too much traffic - the infrastructure is not prepared for this number of visitors.

"Then there's the lack of social distancing - people parking all over the place, having picnics and barbecues and leaving their rubbish behind them.

People have been swimming in the reservoir, prompting a warning from Severn Trent over the potential dangers. Photo by Jayne Greene

"It's all been since the Covid-19 crisis and the easing of lockdown – I know people are furloughed and we've had nice weather and bank holidays and I don’t want to stop people enjoying the area because it's absolutely lovely, but it needs some management.

"Barbecues are not a good idea around dried grass. Swimming in the reservoir too is very dangerous.

"I ride my mountain bike through the area and it’s like living by a beach - there's people and litter everywhere. It's very frustrating."

Residents say the rise in visitors is causing congestion on nearby roads

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There are no bins on site so people need to take their rubbish home with them and dispose of it there.

"Also, it needs to be made clear part of the site is not available for members of the public - you are not allowed to walk completely round the reservoir. There are gates clearly stating this, but people ignore them and give verbal abuse to the people that live on the site when they are told."

Neighbours counted 300 cars visiting the reservoir in a four-hour period over the weekend.

Severn Trent, which reopened the reservoir a fortnight ago, is now asking visitors to park responsibly and show extra care for the local community.

The reservoir has seen an increase in littering during the warm weather. Photo by Jayne Greene

The company is urging visitors travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.

Severn Trent says the advice is to protect social distancing at the reservoir and prevent nearby verge parking, which is overwhelming some roads within the local community.

Dominic Robinson, from Severn Trent, said: “It’s been great to welcome back so many visitors to Trimpley Reservoir recently, but we’re asking everyone travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.

Residents are urging visitors to take their rubbish home with them. Photo by Jayne Greene

“The sudden increase in visitors has overwhelmed roads in and around the local village, where parked cars have blocked access for nearby residents.

"This is understandably frustrating for them, so we’re asking everyone to be more considerate and drive away if there are no spaces in our car park.

“We’d be extremely grateful for everyone’s cooperation, which will help us to maintain safe distancing between visitors and protect the needs of the local community.”

Dominic added: “We’d also like to remind people not to enter the water when they are here.

"Our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down, but the fact is they’re extremely dangerous.

Some visitors have been leaving litter behind at the site. Photo by Jayne Greene

"On the surface they look calm and steady, but underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle to swim in.”

Police Inspector Dave King added: “It’s been great to see the vast majority of people abiding by the new guidance to minimise the spread of infection. We will continue to engage with the public where required and this includes at popular areas such as Trimpley Reservoir.

"I would however remind visitors to our rivers, lakes and reservoirs that while the water may look inviting, water temperature, currents and underwater hazards pose a very real risk to life and I would urge everyone to remain safe by not entering the water.

“If you are meeting friends or family in the park or in the countryside, please remember to do so safely, socially distanced, dispose of all litter properly and any reports of criminal or anti-social behaviour will continue to be thoroughly investigated.”