Partners join together to patrol Macclesfield Forest

United Utilities staff have this week joined forces with the rural crime team from Cheshire Police and rangers from the Peak District National Park to tackle anti-social behaviour around Macclesfield Forest.

Working in partnership, the teams patrolled the forest on Friday evening and reminded visitors to enjoy the area responsibly. 

Since the first Covid lockdown in spring 2020, there has been an increase in some anti-social behaviour with issues such as wild camping, illegal fires and littering. 

The North West’s water company is also warning cyclists about the dangers of building and using unauthorised tracks in the Forest, with cyclists being reminded to stick to sign posted, authorised trails. 

Ross Evans, Estates and land Manager for United Utilities, said: “We take our role as landowner extremely seriously and it was great to join forces with the police and rangers to show the local community that we are taking their concerns seriously. 

“Macclesfield Forest is hugely popular with visitors and we want to protect it so future generations can enjoy it.  I’d ask all visitors to respect the environment and leave the area how they found it.”