RIVINGTON Terraced Gardens has reopened to the public.

Access to the popular attraction has been closed off for several weeks after the moorland fire broke out on nearby Winter Hill at the end of June.

Staff and volunteers at the heritage site say that they have since been challenged aggressively by people trying to gain access and arguing that the fire is out.

Last week, a summer house at the site was broken into, with vandals causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

However, a post on Rivington Terraced Gardens Facebook page yesterday confirmed that it has now reopened. It read “After what has been a very challenging and frustrating few weeks we are very pleased to be able to confirm the Terraced Gardens are now open.

“Thank you to everyone who has been patient with us and for your kind words of support. They have been much appreciated.

“We’d particularly like to thank our amazing volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout to help protect the Gardens and support the Emergency Services.

“Our contractors Historic Property Restoration are back on site so please be aware that some areas of the Gardens will be closed at times for your safety.”

On Saturday, September 1, the gardens will host a thank you concert for people to show their appreciation to the firefighters who have been tackling the horrific Winter Hill blaze.