Parked cars hindered rescue crews called to drowning man at Pickmere Lake

Incensed residents say Pickmere Lake in Cheshire is being turned into a grot spot by hordes of thoughtless people.

When a 38-year-old man from Widnes tragically drowned in June, emergency services struggled to reach the lake because an access road had been blocked.

Police say they have been inundated with multiple reports of parking issues in the Pickmere area, including cars parked on yellow lines and obstructing junctions, pavements and driveways.

Sgt Bill Brickhill said “Pickmere is such a beautiful location and the village regularly attracts a large number of visitors during the summer months.

Police say drivers parking inconsiderately are putting lives at risk

“While we don’t want to stop people from the visiting the area, it’s important that people who do attend are courteous and think about the impact they are having on the lives of local residents.

“This isn’t just an inconvenience to residents, it’s also dangerous as it can block the route of emergency vehicles.

"When a visitor to Pickmere Lake sadly drowned recently, the emergency services had difficulty getting to the lake due to inconsiderate parking.

“Over the coming weeks, with our colleagues from Cheshire East, we will continue to patrol the area and fines will be issued where appropriate.

Pickmere villagers struggle to get in and out of their homes because parked cars block their drives

“We will also continue to engage with both Cheshire East and Pickmere Parish Council to see if long term plan can be developed to help tackle the parking issues."

Alison Knights, chairman of Pickmere Residents Association, said: "It has been an absolute nightmare. People haven't been able to get in and out of their houses.

"We have had hundreds of people turning up here. It's as busy as a beach.

"Very sadly when we had a fellow drowning recently, there is a gate to the lake but firefighters couldn't get through because cars were parked in front of it.

"We were at the lake and people were running round shouting out car registration numbers but couldn't locate the owners. Fire rescue crews had to drive to Wincham to gain access."

Villagers are appalled by the amount of litter visitors leave behind.

Villagers are appalled by the amount of rubbish visitors leave behind

"There are mounds of rubbish," said Alison. "Food packets, barbecues and soiled nappies which isn't pleasant for anyone to pick up. We don't want to stop people coming but please take your rubbish home.

Litter pickers have found soiled baby's nappies, food and barbecues strewn around the lake

 

High Legh ward Cllr Kate Parkinson said: "I have a lot of sympathy for residents of Pickmere when visitors show an alarming lack of awareness and respect for the village and the people who live here.

"It is evident that Pickmere needs stronger traffic measures.

"I have liaised with the parish council and Cheshire East Council to explore the possibility of parking permits or double yellow lines."

Pickmere Parish Council is currently carrying out a survey to seek the views of residents about a range of possible options to introduce new measures.

However, villagers fear extra restrictions may not resolve the problem as visitors ignore existing regulations.

Parish council clerk Jack Steele said: "It is very complicated. We have no power to do anything. All we can do is ask the police to respond and traffic wardens to attend.

"One suggestion to turn a field into a car park would be difficult to administer and manage and we think it would attract more visitors."