As we head towards a busy Bank Holiday weekend, Macclesfield's MP David Rutley, along with landowner United Utilities, are urging visitors to Macclesfield Forest to respect the land and the local community.

The Macclesfield beauty spot continues to be as busy as ever and active consultation with key agencies and forums, including local residents, has been taking place to tackle the issues caused by increasing visitor numbers to the area.

Numbers of guests have increased particularly over the last year, due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

During the MP's recent visit to Macclesfield Forest, the company explained how it has also installed additional forest path safety signs and is working with local mountain biking group representatives so that all users of the Forest do so in a safe manner.

This follows particular concerns about unsafe mountain bike trails being established without permission.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley said, "I was grateful to have the chance to meet United Utilities to follow up on traffic and parking concerns raised by local residents, and to discuss the number of mountain bike trails that have been established without permission.

"We are fortunate to have such a beautiful and iconic setting so close to Macclesfield. It's vital that all visitors respect Macclesfield Forest, especially over busy Bank Holiday weekends.

"I look forward to continuing to work with United Utilities and local stakeholders to establish and then deliver an action plan that will tackle local concerns over the months ahead."

The woodland which lies on the eastern edge of the Peak District, is the only remanent of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield.

Paula Steer from United Utilities said: "While we cannot control the number of people who choose to visit, but by working with local partners such as local councils, national parks, highways and the police, we are exploring ways to provide additional information ahead of a visit, such as whether carparks are full.

"As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend, we will have electronic messaging signs on two key access roads into the Forest to reinforce safety and Countryside Code messaging, and car park capacity messages.

"There will be increased staffing presence across this period, linked with council enforcement and police operations to ensure the safety of visitors.

"Our objective is that both visitors and residents enjoy this beautiful location safely and responsibly."

The water company also set out how it has committed £250,000 to a five year project with Forestry England to improve woodland and aquatic habitat, alongside partnership work to survey wildlife.

Elsewhere in Macclesfield environmental news, we reported on Friday about Cheshire East Council's plans to plant thousands of trees in Macc by 2025.

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