Police called as people shot geese at High Rid Reservoir, near Lostock

Cllr for Westhoughton South, John McHugh, was walking his dog around the reservoir, near Lostock, yesterday morning, Saturday, February 7.

The 60-year-old said he spotted one person in a camouflage tent on a nearby farmer’s field and two others, dressed in camouflage, in a field opposite, shooting geese there.

He said another passer-by had already called Greater Manchester Police, and when officers arrived, they climbed over the fence to speak to them.

They were escorted off the land because they were close to the public footpath that runs around the reservoir.

Cllr John McHugh said: “They are absolutely stunning creatures

“The path was close to where they were shooting them

GMP confirmed they were in attendance and all relevant checks were made (Image: John McHugh)

“Probably 200 yards away.

“Those geese are no problem whatsoever.

“They don’t deserve to have their heads blown off for somebody’s pleasure.

“There were a lot of people there who were as aghast as I was at what was going on.”

After speaking with the officers, John said they told him the people did have permission from the farmer to be there and gun licences.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were in attendance, and all relevant checks were made, including confirmed gun licences.

They said the people moved on and no further geese were killed, that they have also spoken with the owner of the land and enquiries are continuing.