CHESHIRE East Council says it would be pleased to work with Pickmere Parish Council and the police to look at possible solutions to the parking problems caused by the volume of visitors to Pickmere Lake.

The parish council has submitted a formal complaint to Cheshire East Council over what it says is CEC’s ‘failure’ to respond to calls and emails about problems caused by a flood of visitors to Pickmere Lake.

The parish council says since the easing of lockdown restrictions thousands of visitors from Cheshire, Manchester and Liverpool have flocked to Pickmere Lake during the good weather.

This has resulted in severe problems for villagers, says the council, roads and pavements have been obstructed by visitors’ parked cars and huge amounts of litter have had to be collected by volunteers.

The council said other problems include public health issues due to the lack of public toilets at the lake, public order issues due to large groups of young people gathering, drinking and using various substances; aggression to residents and other anti-social behaviour.

The parish council has submitted a complaint to Cheshire East over what it says is the ‘abject failure of CEC to communicate or respond to numerous emails and phone calls and its failure to supply any or all of the information requested by Pickmere Parish Council'.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “We understand the frustration felt by local residents and the parish council regarding this matter and we have stepped up a presence at Pickmere with our enforcement officers and police increasing patrols.

“The current parking restrictions in Pickmere only apply at weekends and bank holidays and, therefore, we are limited in what action can be taken during weekdays, which is when this particular problem has been most acute, due to the recent hot weather and the easing of lockdown restrictions.

“It is the responsibility of motorists to ensure they park legally and considerately and there is still an obligation on people to maintain social distancing at all times.

"Irresponsible parking, as witnessed at Pickmere, presents a serious risk to everyone as the emergency services, such as ambulances, would not be able to get through.

“We would be pleased to work with Pickmere Parish Council and Cheshire police to explore possible solutions but we recognise that this is a popular lakeside attraction in a small village, with a narrow approach for traffic.

"Arriving at a workable solution that satisfies everyone, including visitors, therefore, may not be straightforward.

“We will also discuss with police the extent of anti-social behaviour and any criminal activity, including substance misuse and breaches of social distancing and large groups of people ignoring the current restrictions on numbers.

“We continue to urge residents and visitors to the borough to take their litter home or use the nearest bin.”