Bidlea Dairy forced to shut at night after yobs run riot

Mindless yobs have run riot at Bidlea Dairy, smashing vending machines and stealing goods.

Troublemakers from miles away have targeted Orchard Farm in Twemlow, with a spate of anti-social behaviour in the early hours of the morning.

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The family-run farm closes for business at 5pm but leaves the yard open overnight for local people to buy dairy products from vending machines.

Adam Brown, who runs the dairy, said: "People have been driving here at night from Manchester and all over the place to cause a nuisance.

“This is something we are just not prepared to put up with or tolerate.

"They have tried to break into the cafe and have smashed their way into the vending machines, stolen goods and made a real mess.

“It has been going on until 4 am.”

Evidence of smoking drugs on the car park has also been found.

The family has now reached the end of their tether and reluctantly decided to close between 9.30 pm and 6.30am in a bid to stop it from becoming a magnet for troublemakers from outside.

CCTV cameras have been installed.

Adam said: “Unfortunately, it has made us decide to close the gates at Bidlea Dairy for at least the next week and then we will re-assess the situation.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but this minority of idiots has spoilt it for the majority.

“We have to put a stop to the anti-social behaviour we have experienced.

“The decision has not been taken lightly and we thank people for their continued support and understanding of why we have been forced to take this action."

The 400-acre farm diversified during the pandemic.

Adam and wife Becky came up with the idea of making ice cream when their business was struggling to cope with a drop in demand during lockdown.

Adam and Becky Brown won a gold award for their vanilla ice cream at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards 2023 (Image: Supplied)

Bidlea Dairy now produces 27 flavours and has wowed judges winning prestigious awards at international competitions.

The secret of their success, they believe, is the rich cream and top quality milk produced by their 300-strong Holstein Fresian dairy herd.

Adam Brown and his family at Bidlea Dairy (Image: Supplied)

The couple work with Adam’s brother Ryan and his wife Becky, sister Melanie, parents Ray and Jill, Becky’s mum Angela Williams and other members of the family and friends.

The family runs a café offering a range of homemade snacks and refreshments.

The farm shop sells ice cream, butter, cheese and dairy products.

The anti-social behaviour and damage have been reported to the police.