Anti-social behaviour in Hyde fuelled by hot weather

Hyde councillors are appealing to people to respect the countryside after multiple reports of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and discarded BBQs around Werneth Low country park.

The number of incidents have been fuelled by the gradual easing of lockdown and the recent hot weather.

But Hyde Werneth councillors Phil Chadwick and Ruth Welsh have warned people to respect the beauty spot, after scorch marks on benches, damage to fence posts and excessive littering have caused increasing concern to members of Hyde War Memorial Trust and the public. 

Cllr Chadwick, who is on the Joint Management Committee, has been working alongside Cllr Welsh - who is secretary of the Hyde War Memorial Trust - to get the message out that people who use Werneth Low need to show it more respect.   

“Frank Gradwell, who is Vice-Chair of the War Memorial is incandescent with rage over it, especially as the memorial and land were given to the people of Hyde to respect,” Phil explained.

“The golf course has also been in touch with him to say that members of the club were unable to play the sport due to sunbathers, and the club has had to offer refunds - which obviously is impacting businesses during a tough time as it is.

“We’ve had further reports of criminal damage such as the theft of dry-stone walling and fence-posts, too.” 

Both councillors have been in touch with the area sergeant who is putting in place patrols and Ruth has spoken with the council, who are set to put out a ‘Safe for the Summer’ message across their channels. 

“There have also been reports of BBQs and scorch marks being left on benches - the last thing we want is a repeat of the moors incident last year,” said Phil.

People are asked to stay sensible and to respect the country park, to take litter home with them, plus reporting any anti-social behaviour they might witness.