A Nantwich resident has been guarding a “dangerous” compound on his estate for weeks because of confusion over who owns the land.
Noel Wagstaff took action after residents raised fears about the pumping station (pictured) in Stapeley being a magnet for youths.
But now he’s calling for the site on Cherry Tree Court to be transferred to United Utilities so it can be locked down permanently to deter youngsters from clambering in and playing there.
When members of Stapeley Action Group (SPAG) investigated, they found an open compound with pumping equipment in deep pits not properly covered up.
Mr Wagstaff told parish councillors: “The problem is the ownership of the land on which the compound sits is still not totally clear.
“The pumping station is a clear danger to children. The flaps covering the pumping equipment were left open, any child could have fallen down into that.
“When there is heavy rain, or flooding problems, these pumps kick in automatically so this is dangerous machinery.
“It’s also become a magnet for rubbish and fly-tipping. We went there to clear the rubbish away and came out with 20 full bags.”
Mr Wagstaff said once the area was cleared, he locked everything down with a key provided to SPAG by United Utilities.
“But now I’m told we can’t hold this key because we don’t own it, and we don’t know who does,” he added.
“I have been asked by United Utilities to be the keyholder as they can’t legally do it because of the ownership issue.
“But the walls are not high enough around the site anyway, so even with the metal gates locked youths could still clamber over.”
Sandy Gwynn-Freemantle, chairman of Stapeley Parish Council, said: “This is such a dangerous situation, children could easily fall in there and get trapped.”
The land is believed to be under the control of the property liquidator for David McLean Homes, and is due to be transferred to United Utilities by October 2016.
A United Utilities spokesman said the company is still continuing to look into the ownership of the compound.
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