Ongoing parking issues at Pickmere

Above: Sunset over Pickmere by Len Gates

Officers from Macclesfield and Northwich Local Policing Units have been out and about in Pickmere.

Over recent years there have been ongoing issues with inconsiderate parking and anti-social behaviour, caused by people visiting Pickmere Lake.

Issues have included cars blocking footpaths, roads and driveways, littering and people swimming in the lake.

Cheshire Police are working with the council to introduce additional parking restrictions in the area, hopefully helping minimise some of the disruption.

Additional patrols have also been conducted in the area during periods of warmer weather.

During WWII, many people were evacuated or relocated to Pickmere to avoid the heavy bombing in Manchester, Salford and Liverpool.  The new arrivals lived in caravans or the many timber chalets around the lake and throughout the village. Some 300 were eventually built in and around Pickmere. Most of these have now been removed since they fell into disrepair and no longer met health standards – others have been bricked around and made permanent.

The Cheetham family ran the Pickmere Boating Company for more than 60 years until they retired in 1990. Many of their lakeside attractions are still fondly remembered by generations of visitors.

It is sometimes forgotten these days that it was not uncommon even then for visitors to be queuing all the way back to Tabley along Pickmere Lane, especially at Bank Holidays. When the Cheetham family retired the new owners let the rowing boats and little motor boats fall into decay and the cruise launch, Princess Irene, was sunk in the middle of the lake.

Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden, from Macclesfield Local Policing Unit said: “With all the recent hot weather we can understand the reason why so many are attracted to Pickmere lake. However, it’s essential that residents in the local area are able to go about their daily business.

“So far this year we have seen a reduction in the number of incidents in the area thanks to the work that we’ve already undertaken.

“However, during times of warmer weather we have seen some issues, with more than 20 parking tickets issued last weekend alone.

 “Therefore, I would urge anyone who is visiting the area to be considerate to the residents and ensure that they park respectfully and take their litter home. 

“As we enter the summer period, we’ll continue to step-up patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and issue further fines where appropriate.”