Irresponsible Calderdale visitors continue to dump rubbish at popular beauty spots

The Council is urging people to remember The Countryside Code to help to look after the environment as more people spend time outdoors enjoying the Calderdale countryside,

The code has been revised since COVID-19 to include guidance around safely sharing the space with other users and planning ahead to check what facilities are open.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Councillor Susan Press, said: “Although most users of our outdoor spaces do so sensibly, we want to remind people that as well as looking after the environment it’s also important to be considerate of others.

“Many of our sites, bridleways and footpaths have been busier recently and it’s great that people are being active, but we all have a responsibility to consider local communities and be aware of other people also enjoying the countryside.

“The Countryside Code sets out a number of ways we can all respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also important to follow COVID-19 guidance - remember to check opening restrictions before travelling and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.”

Many countryside facilities in Calderdale are still closed based on Public Health advice. This includes the toilets, shop and Visitor Centre at Ogden Water and Jerusalem Farm’s campsite and toilets.

Parking at many sites is also extremely limited and visitors should not park on grass verges or block in local residents - leave the car at home if possible.

Whilst the majority of visitors have been respectful to the environment, there are continued issues with littering at some sites and the Council is urging people take their rubbish home.

The Council also continues to work with partners at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and West Yorkshire Police to enforce Public Space Protection Orders in areas of the countryside to prevent fires. These orders prohibit the lighting of fires, barbecues, sky lanterns or anything that causes a fire risk – failure to comply is a criminal offence