Visitors to Ogden Water are being urged to heed warning signs after high winds forced closure of the woods due to falling trees and branches today.

Calderdale Council's Countryside Service have issued the warning after witnessing people climbing over locked gates and ignoring closure signs in order to walk their dogs at the Denholme beauty spot.

High winds forced Ogden Water managers to close off the reserve's popular woodland as high winds, heavy rain and sleet swept the area, causing trees and branches to fall. It is the third time in a week that weather conditions have closed off the woods.

Managers of the reserve stressed that a number of trees have already fallen, and urged visitors not to risk visiting the site when the woods are closed.

Dave Wilson, Ogden Water site manager, said: "Although we closed off the woods for public safety reasons several times in the last week, we noticed a number of people, particularly dog walkers, parking unlawfully and climbing over the gates. This is extremely dangerous during high winds and gales, as there are falling trees."

The woods will be re-opened to visitors as soon as it is safe.