LOVING tributes to lost friends and relatives are to be cleared away from a Bolton beauty spot after they were branded an eyesore by landowners.

United Utilities, which owns thousands of acres around Rivington, has warned grieving relatives that flowers and photographs will be taken away unless they are removed by May 6.

Bosses at the firm say they are acting after complaints from visitors who say the area is being spolied.

They say decaying flowers, often still inside their plastic wrappers, have blown across the land and litter the moors.

A designated area has been set up for memorial tree planting and rangers say no tributes will be allowed elsewhere.

Glynn Haworth, United Utilities countryside ranger, said: "We sympathise with people who have lost a loved one and understand that Rivington holds many treasured memories for them.

"But this beautiful countryside should be for everyone to enjoy.

"Families want to enjoy picnics in unspoilt fields. Once a tree has flowers nailed into it, it stops being a tree and becomes a shrine.

"We are trying to strike a balance after listening to what visitors want from the countryside.

"Also, we do have designated areas at Rivington where people can plant a tree in memory of their loved ones."

Notices have been put up in the area asking people to remove items by May 6. The items will then be moved away, although people can still collect them until May 31.