‘Trailer load’ of cow and pig muck spread at ‘blue lagoon’ to turn off weekend visitors

The stinking slurry coat was put down to prevent access for young party-goers as weather forecasters predict sunny spells during a let-up in the rain this weekend.

Locals say several farmers have come forward to help out with slurry supplies and ‘we plan to use it in this area as and when needed’.

Soaring temperatures and blue skies have brought thousands to the disused Hoffman Quarry over the last few weeks.

During chaotic scenes roads around the Buxton suburb have been choked with young people arriving in cars from as far afield as Liverpool to swim in the dangerous water.

Locals reported feeling unsafe in their own homes as during May bank holiday over 2,000 people descended on the town - publicly using drugs and in one occasion threatening a couple with a ‘three-foot machete’.

Paul Wardman, who helped coordinate the preventative poo blanket, said: “Obviously we’re hoping the council will come up with a permanent solution and Linda Grooby (local councillor) is doing a great job in pursuing this but for now are very grateful to the local farmers in helping us.

“The level of visitors is unprecedented and we have no doubt this is down to the current Covid situation – but the level of abuse and lack of respect shown to the residents has been shocking.”

High Peak councillor Linda Grooby described the measure as a ‘short-term solution’.

Despite a council move to dye the water black she told how problems remained at Harpur Hill - ‘especially in the evenings’.

She said: “I would rather we hadn’t had to do this but we’re hoping to deter visitors this weekend because the weather forecast has been good - the police will also be patrolling.”

High Peak MP Robert Largan said he hoped the slurry would be ‘effective’ at keeping people away from the quarry.

He added: “I’ve visited the site recently and there is a lot of evidence of drug use - there’s also been lots of anti-social behaviour and the residents of Harpur Hill have had to put up with a huge amount over the last few months.

“We’ve held several multi-agency meetings to try and find a solution.

“The water has already been dyed black and the police have stepped up their presence in recent weeks.

“And now slurry has been put down around the water - which should be very effective at keeping people away from the quarry.

“Well done to councillor Linda Grooby who has been the driving force behind making this happen.

“I’ll continue to work with her, other local councillors and residents and the police and other agencies to try and tackle this problem.”

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