Ranger Policy

Document Version Control

Document Title: Allotment Policy

Table of Contents

1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Core Responsibilities
4. Vehicle Operation
5. Health and Safety
6. Environmental Responsibility
7. Review

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the range of operational duties undertaken by the Macclesfield Town Rangers in support of the maintenance, improvement and presentation of Macclesfield’s public spaces. The Rangers provide practical support to enhance the town environment, assist with community initiatives, and help maintain public areas to a high standard. They do not replace statutory services provided by Cheshire East Council or any other public authority.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Macclesfield Town Rangers team and outlines the types of tasks they may carry out across areas managed or supported by the Town Council. Work will be undertaken in accordance with relevant health and safety procedures, environmental standards, and any required permissions from landowners or partner organisations.

Statutory Responsibilities and Partnership Working

Macclesfield Town Rangers operate in a supportive capacity and do not hold responsibility for statutory duties assigned to other authorities, including those under the remit of Cheshire East Council. Statutory functions such as highway maintenance, keeping highways clear, and the cleaning and maintenance of permanent street signage remain the responsibility of Cheshire East Council.

Where appropriate and within available resources, the Rangers may assist with activities that contribute to these functions—such as litter picking, clearing minor obstructions, or cleaning removable signage. This assistance is discretionary and does not replace or transfer responsibility from the statutory authority. All such work will only be undertaken where it is safe, authorised, and within the operational scope of the Rangers.

Core Responsibilities

The Macclesfield Town Rangers may undertake the following duties as part of their operational work programme.

Environmental Maintenance

The Rangers support the upkeep and cleanliness of the town centre and surrounding areas through:

• Litter picking across public spaces and town centre locations
• Cleaning footpaths and paved areas
• Scraping and clearing alleyways
• Removing weeds in planted areas
• Leaf blowing during seasonal periods
• Weed spraying where appropriate and authorised
• Power washing surfaces including pavements and street furniture
• Removing graffiti where feasible and appropriate

Grounds and Landscape Maintenance

The Rangers assist in maintaining green spaces, planting areas and general landscaping through:

• Strimming grass and vegetation
• Hedge cutting and trimming overhanging hedges
• Planting and maintaining wildflower areas
• Supporting Britain in Bloom initiatives and floral displays
• Planting summer and winter bedding in designated areas
• Watering planters, flower beds and community planting schemes

Public Realm Improvements

The Rangers contribute to improving the visual appearance of the town by:

• Painting benches and other street furniture
• Painting street signs where authorised and able to remove
• Cleaning road signs and public signage
• Maintaining and enhancing public allotment sites

Community and Events Support

The Rangers provide practical assistance for town council and community events, including:

• Transporting equipment and materials
• Assisting with the set-up and dismantling of event infrastructure
• Moving items and providing general logistical support

Minor Maintenance Tasks

The Rangers may undertake small maintenance tasks to support the operation of Town Council facilities, including:

• Small office maintenance jobs
• Basic repairs and upkeep tasks where appropriate

Tasks rangers cannot carry out

• Any work on private property

Any tree work , tree surgery or arboricultural operations large scale weeding across the town

• Re-painting signs that cannot be removed for painting

• Statutory highway maintenance or repairs
• Large-scale or programmed cleansing or maintenance works
• Works outside approved risk assessments or training
• Any activity that creates a reasonable expectation of statutory service provision

Request Handling

Where requests are received from Councillors, members of the public, or stakeholders:

• Matters that fall within the remit of Cheshire East Council or another statutory authority should first be reported through the relevant official reporting channels
• The Town Council may also receive requests directly; however, if the matter is statutory in nature, the requester will be directed to the appropriate authority in the first instance

Town Ranger involvement will only be considered where:

• The issue has been reported to Cheshire East Council, or
• Cheshire East Council has confirmed it cannot reasonably address the issue in an appropriate timeframe, or
• The matter is assessed as a minor, low-risk enhancement suitable for discretionary Town Ranger support

The Town Council reserves the right to refuse any request where it considers:

• The work is a statutory duty of another authority
• The request would create precedent or expectation of ongoing service delivery
• The work is operationally, financially, or reputationally inappropriate

Controlled Intervention

Where Town Rangers undertake work that overlaps with statutory functions, it will only be where:

• The activity is minor and exceptional
• It provides clear local environmental benefit
• It does not replace statutory service delivery
• It is not part of a routine expectation

Such intervention is discretionary and will always remain limited in scope.

Vehicle Operation

Designated Rangers may drive Town Council vehicles as part of their duties. All drivers must:

• Hold a valid driving licence
• Be authorised by the Town Council
• Comply with all vehicle use, maintenance and safety policies

Health and Safety

All work undertaken by the Rangers will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and council policies. This includes:

• Appropriate training and use of equipment
• Risk assessments where required
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safe handling and storage of chemicals and machinery

Environmental Responsibility

The Rangers will carry out their duties with consideration for environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and the protection of wildlife habitats wherever possible.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Town Council to ensure that it continues to reflect operational needs and best practice.