Call for Clampdown on Tearaway Bikers (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Call for Clampdown on Tearaway Bikers

TEENAGE bikers are endangering the lives of young children by tearing along residential paths and parks in Lechlade.

That's the feeling among residents of Loders Field, who have been campaigning for a clampdown on the boy racers for more than a year.

Louts on quad bikes and miniature motorbikes are particularly targeting the Recreation Ground, where there is a playground for children.

Brenda Miller, an ex-headteacher who lives in Loders Field, has twice written to the town council about the problem.

She also recently reported one of the bikers to the police after confronting him outside her house.

She said: "There are big problems with bikers around here, but there have been problems all over the town.

"It's getting steadily worse - they are a nuisance and a danger to everyone

"There are young children who live in these houses - what chance would they stand if a bike came around the corner?

"I also have an 80-year-old friend who could easily be knocked over - I think it's an accident waiting to happen."

In one incident Mrs Miller saw two of the tearaways skidding in circles in the Recreation Ground just metres from where toddlers play.

She said: "There was a group of them breaking hard and cutting up the turf - it was dreadful the mess down there."

Town councillors are aware of the growing problem in the market town but have yet to decide whether gates to the various paths and parks where the bikers congregate would eradicate the problem or merely force the youths elsewhere.

Residents have also called for more police presence, while town clerk Peter Godfrey has suggested officers should confiscate the bikes.

Swindon police have set up a special hotline for residents to complain about the same problem in the Wiltshire town.

Their Crime and Disorder Unit has vowed to seize vehicles under the Police Reform Act 2002 and force offenders to pay £300 to get them back.

A similar scheme has also been effective in Kent.

Rural Project Officer PC Ian Foster, of South East Kent Police, said: "This is an excellent example of how, working in partnership with other agencies and the community, we can achieve results. I hope it serves as a warning to others."

Gloucestershire police were unavailable for comment.