Press release from Yorkshire Water and Calderdale Council
Two new summer rangers have been hired to patrol Calderdale’s countryside to help keep people safe and protect natural landscapes, such as reservoirs and woodland, during peak tourist season.
Working over weekends and busy periods, the two new rangers, Jennifer Bowers and Jeffery Platt, will have a wide reaching remit. They will act as a point of contact for visitors, address any anti-social behaviour, illegal camping or littering issues, and enforce reservoir water safety. Support will be also provided to the farming community by advising dog owners to keep their canine companions on a lead and under control.
Funding for the roles has come from Yorkshire Water and Calderdale Council and it is the fifth time summer rangers have been hired by the two organisations.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“We know that summer is a time when people head to our beautiful reservoirs, especially when the weather is nice, so it’s great news that there’s now an extra pair of hands to help out and ensure people can safely enjoy themselves.
“The summer rangers also have the important task of helping us protect wildlife and our countryside during this busy time of the year.”
The rangers will be patrolling a number of sites across Calderdale until the end of September, including Mixenden reservoir, Baitings and Ryburn, Gorple, Widdop and Ogden Water.
Geoff Lomas, Recreation Manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
“We work closely with Calderdale Council who help manage some of our sites in the region to ensure they are clean, tidy, safe and enjoyable places to visit. The new summer rangers will be a friendly face, able to assist visitors as well as maintaining these popular recreational spots.”
A recent Yorkshire Water survey revealed that nearly all visitors to Baitings reservoir have a good experience, with 96% stating they leave totally satisfied from their day trip to the beauty spot.
It is estimated by Calderdale Council that the tourism economy in Calderdale supports over 5,000 jobs across a range of sectors including hospitality, catering and retail.