Congleton
Nub News Logo
Nub News

Investigation into 'unlawful' wildlife shootings at Astbury Mere continues

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 7th Apr 2025

Cheshire Police and the Environment Agency have stepped up patrols at Astbury Mere (Credit: Cheshire Police)
Cheshire Police and the Environment Agency have stepped up patrols at Astbury Mere (Credit: Cheshire Police)

An investigation into 'unlawful' shootings at a beauty spot has continued.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team have provided an update following reports of wildlife crime at Astbury Mere.

Following further enquiries, officers now believed that around 25 birds and rabbits were shot with an air rifle between the hours of 9pm and 11pm on Friday, March 28.

PC Rob Stordy said: "We have confirmed no one had lawful authority to carry out any shooting at the Mere.

"We are very grateful to several members of the public who came forward with information following our appeal and we have followed this up.

"Over this weekend (April 5-6) we have increased our patrols at the location, utilising support from Cheshire Police Special Constabulary, Congleton Police and the Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Team.

"Our teams have engaged with anglers and other legitimate users of the site, providing them reassurance and encouraging prompt reporting of any further suspicious or illegal activity."

Astbury Mere (Credit: Cheshire Police)

During a patrol of the site officers conducted a stop and search.

This resulted in a small amount of cannabis being seized.

PC Stordy added: "We will continue to work with our partners to keep a close eye on this site.

"We would also like to encourage those that visit or live close to Astbury Mere to do the same and to report anything suspicious to us either by 101 or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress."

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
congleton vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: congleton jobs

     

Can we count on you? Local news is the heartbeat of Congleton
— it needs your support.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month,
you can help us keep telling the stories that matter to Congleton.
Support local journalism. Protect your community.

Thank you to those of you that have already contributed.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide congleton with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Congleton. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience