Forest feud escalates as sign is vandalised
TENSIONS between different groups who use Macclesfield Forest were highlighted by the appearance of vandalism.
‘MTB PARK’ - believed to be a reference to how many mountain bikers use the area - was scrawled on a sign in large white letters.
The graffiti was done some time over the holiday period and police have now appealed for witnesses.
It comes after a period of frustration between people who use Macclesfield Forest with some saying there are too many mountain bikers and they are causing damage by straying off paths.
But some riders have countered that as long as they use the area responsibly they have as much right as anyone else and should not be abused or targeted for doing so.
In addition the forest has regularly become a hotspot for people looking to spend time outdoors this year.
This has led to residents in villages such as Langley complaining about overcrowding and congestion on roads.
PC Steven Kaminski, from Cheshire Police, said: “Really sad to see this criminal damage in Macclesfield Forest.
“We know that the mountain biking community won’t be happy with this at all, as some are making a real effort to build good relationships with United Utilities and the Peak
Park.
“Please, if you know who has done this or saw it happening, please get in touch.”
The witness appeal, made over Facebook, caused a large reaction.
Sharon Hulme said: “A mountain bike rider wouldn’t put the target towards them.
“This will be some disgruntled rambler or member of the public who is making a point. Too much conflict between user groups.”
Hilary Jack said: “Sadly the conservation areas for wildlife are being destroyed by mountain bikes digging tracks and regularly riding them.
“This has to stop. Then hopefully we can move on and all get along well.”
But mountain biker Alex Smiles said that riders were ‘persecuted’ with some people even laying traps for them.
He said: “We get yelled at on the roads by cars, shouted at by people on Bridleways, screamed at by people in the forest and demonised/ shamed by people on social media.
“It’s pretty unlikely someone from the MTB community did this as well, probably one of those who hate/seek to taint us as a group.” Anyone with information can call police on 101.