THE trust that manages the Sandstone Ridge has called for visitors to be considerate when visiting the site following weekends of 'traffic chaos'.

Bickerton Hill, near Malpas, is a popular spot for walkers and typically has a few spots for parking at the hill's base.

But the hill and the Sandstone Trail itself have experienced a surge in popularity in recent days, leading to gridlocked roads and incidents of road rage, causing disruption for local residents.

A spokesman for the Sandstone Ridge Trust called on visitors to be considerate in light of the recent chaos.

"We appreciate that everyone is trying to get out and about for their daily exercise during the current Covid-19 restrictions," they said.

"Local residents, rural businesses and church-goers to Holy Trinity Church on Goldford Lane junction, however, are now facing traffic chaos due to the congestion caused by cars parked on the approach to Bickerton Hill and to the Sandstone Trail footpath.

"This has been particularly acute at weekends but is also a problem on weekdays too.

"This member witnessed such chaos first hand at a recent funeral which was held at Holy Trinity Church, located on the Goldford Lane junction.

"Cars were quite literally parked everywhere; particularly unpleasant for the mourners.

"On that occasion too, it was impossible for a large haulage wagon to make a delivery to a farm at the end of the lane – he simply could not navigate a way through the parked cars.

"Cheshire Police and Cheshire East Highways department have become involved due to safety concerns.

"The National Trust has also done all it can by renovating the small car park off Goldford Lane and reinstating the track but there is no alternative parking.

"The natural banks alongside the lane are also under assault from the vehicular parking – native bluebells, swathes of campion and stitchwort which have delighted visitors to the Ridge, are being crushed along the verge.

"If you are walking up on the Bickerton Hill area, please plan your journey well in advance and only park in designated areas.

"We want everyone to enjoy the Sandstone Ridge which is a truly 'magical landscape'.

"However, local stakeholders, residents, Cheshire East Highways, the local police and the National Trust may well have to introduce some sort of policing to get this situation under control and before there is a very serious accident in this locality."