Macclesfield MP David Rutley has highlighted the need for walkers to be more aware of greater risks in the hills as the nights draw in.
As the clocks have recently gone back, it is easy for hill walkers to forget that the evenings get shorter, leading some to find themselves stranded in the hills and upland areas.
David is a keen mountaineer and vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mountain Rescue. He is particularly keen to highlight the work of local Mountain Rescue teams, which is especially important at this time of year.
The Macclesfield constituency is served by both the Buxton and Kinder Mountain Rescue Teams. Members of the teams are often called on to assist injured climbers, hikers, bikers, fell runners and even help sheep in distress!
As part of their invaluable work, the volunteers also assist the police in non-mountain searches in the North West and Midlands. This may include: water rescue, missing person searches and ambulance support in severe weather, including patient transport and emergency food drops.
Earlier this year, David gave his support to a successful campaign which led to the renewal of Government support of £200,000 a year to assist rescue teams throughout the country with the cost of much needed equipment. He also helped successfully campaign to ensure that money raised from Libor fines relating to city institutions that would be used to support personnel and their dependents in the emergency services, could also be extended to mountain rescue teams.
The Macclesfield MP said, “At this time of year, it is important to remember that the clocks have gone back, the days are shorter and for those enjoying the outdoors locally to prepare accordingly. Mountain Rescue teams are run by volunteers and it is important that resources are focussed on real emergencies, so walkers and climbers should do all they can to avoid preventable accidents.”