SPECIALIST all-terrain firefighting equipment will be part of a task force this year to help protect a famed local beauty spot from the threat of moorland fires.

The high powered vehicles have been bought by United Utilities which is responsible for land at Dovestone reservoir, Greenfield.

UU bosses are investing in two new Argo Avenger eight-wheel vehicles after one was brought in to help quell the horrific fires which swept the moors last year.

Revealing their investment in the new vehicles, a spokesperson said: “We're going to buy another two Argo Avengers plus associated fire-fighting kit such as hoses, pumps and 'fogger' units.

“These units can be mounted in the back of the all-terrain vehicle and work a bit like a jet washer. They allow you to pump out water at high pressure and inject it down into the peat to tackle the fire below ground level.”

Their move was welcomed by Dr Andrew Taylor, chair of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association, who has been campaigning to step up fire safety precautions at site.

Dr Taylor is a long-serving member of the heroic Oldham mountain Rescue Team which logged 1,698 gruelling volunteer hours last year battling the renegade blazes.

And he spent his 71st birthday on the moors battling the fires with his team mates as well as colleagues from other emergency services.

At the time, in the aftermath of the devastating fires which destroyed huge tracts of moors, wildlife and livestock, he said: “Dovestone and Chew Valley are the jewel in the crown of Saddleworth.

“But they have been raped, pillaged, burnt and devastated by milling hoards of unsympathetic visitors by car and developers.”

Commenting on the new vehicles, he said: “I’m delighted to learn UU are purchasing highly appropriate equipment.

“It’s also pleasing GMFRS are training on wildfire management. This is impressive, welcome and timely,” he declared.

But Dr Taylor believes threats from fires could be greater this year and along with UU, the RSPB,The Peak District National Park and Oldham Council is calling for increased awareness among visitors to keep the moors safe.

Although barbecues are banned at Dovestones and dog owners are urged to keep pets on leads near livestock, many visitors ignore the warnings.

And a team of Dovestone Mmarshals, an initiative first instigated by GMPs Saddleworth and Lees policing team last year, will be on duty at entrances to the site again at weekends from Easter to help control traffic and advise visitors on safety issues.

The marshal scheme is being backed by Saddleworth and Lees District executive and partner agencies and there are other plans are in the pipeline to increase focus on site safety.

Meanwhile, residents living in cottages near the reservoir, who are marooned in their homes by inconsiderate visitors, are keeping a detailed diary logging problems at the site.

They have asked Oldham Council to investigate whether they can put white lines down the centre of Bank Lane to assist long term with access to their homes.

And they are requesting existing signs are made clearer and speeding issues surrounding speeding off road bikers are investigated.