Council closes A556 lay-by near Hartford after anti-social behaviour reports
A former picnic area beside the A556 near Hartford is being permanently closed after repeated reports of anti-social behaviour and misuse of the site.
By Chester Standard
A lay-by and former picnic area beside the A556 near Hartford is being permanently closed following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has started work to restrict access to the site, with the closure expected to be completed in the coming days.
The authority said the decision had been taken following work with Cheshire Police and was intended to prevent further incidents, reduce misuse of the area and limit the impact on the surrounding community.
The location, formerly known as CafA556, has been the subject of concerns over a prolonged period.
Reports associated with the site have included vehicle-related nuisance, sexual activity and fly-tipping.
Martin Loftus, councillor for Hartford and Greenbank Ward, has previously raised concerns about behaviour at the location and the effect it has had on the area.
He said people had been travelling to the site from across the North West and argued that restricting access was necessary to prevent the problems from continuing.
Cllr Loftus also expressed concern about young people potentially encountering inappropriate activity around the site.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has now concluded that permanently restricting access represents the most effective long-term response.
Stuart Bingham, cabinet member for community safety, said the decision had been made after careful consideration.
He said: “This will help to prevent further incidents and to reduce the impact on the local community. We appreciate the understanding of residents while these measures are put in place.”
Work on the closure is already under way.
The council said its aim is to prevent further incidents, protect the location from misuse and improve safety for residents and people using the surrounding area.
Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to Cheshire Police.