WOOLY INTRUDERS WREAK HAVOC

Some residents in  Shawclough and Healey are reporting a rather unusual — but persistent nuisance - roaming sheep munching their way through gardens, plants, and flower beds.

For years, locals have complained about sheep escaping from nearby farmland and wandering through residential streets and estates, causing damage to private gardens. Despite complaints, no solution has been found, and the problem shows no sign of ending.

One resident told Andy Lord:

“It’s lovely living near the countryside — but not when your freshly planted flowers get eaten by sheep week after week. We’ve reported it countless times, but nothing gets done.”

It’s time for the council and local landowners to work together to:

• Identify where the sheep are escaping from.
• Improve fencing and signage on public footpaths.
• Raise awareness among walkers about the importance of closing gates.
• Take meaningful steps to prevent ongoing damage to residents’ gardens.

Andy told Focus “As your local Liberal Democrat campaigner, I will be writing to the council’s Environmental Services and liaising with local farmers to press for a joined-up solution. Rural life is part of what makes Healey special — but respect between farming, and residential life must be better balanced.