Chelford Road Verges on the dangerous

The Parish Council has been trying in recent years to get the “grass” verge between Manor Lane and Windmill Wood turned into something safer and easier for pedestrians to use with little success.

This situation has been exacerbated in recent months with repeated attempts to block the verge with large mounds of soil and tree trunks. This causes pedestrians, some with prams and small children to face either trying to cross a busy road or walk into the path of vehicles, both on a notoriously dangerous bend.

Several local residents have alleged that the perpetrator of this illegal activity is the owner of Windmill Wood, using a mini-digger to move materials from the wood to discourage people from using the footpath.

It is worth noting several things:

• The land is owned by Cheshire East Highways, not any local residents for their personal use
• This is considered “fly-tipping” which is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court
• This is a public right of way, if this was in any doubt, there is a Post Office post box on the land.
• The footpath through Windmill Wood is a public footpath and has been since the 1800s

The Parish Council have complained to Cheshire East Council repeatedly about this issue over recent months but the perpetrator continues to re-offend. We consider the behaviour of the perpetrator completely unacceptable and a danger to life.

If you see any evidence of obstruction of the highway or fly-tipping, please contact Cheshire East Highways to report it on the following link https://form.cheshireeast.gov.uk/service/Report_a_street_cleansing_issue. The more people that complain the more likely CEC will make the perpetrator reinstate the verge and not re-offend.