Calls for 'safe space' for youngsters to ride motorbikes to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ashington
An Ashington councillor says young people need a safe space to ride their motorbikes legally if bike-related anti social behaviour is to be tackled properly.
The town has been plagued with issues for some time now, with residents branding the problem “out of control”.
Cllr Sonia Simm has said she is engaging with local landowners to try and find a suitable location for a motorbike track.
Previously, there had been a well-used track at Cambois known as the PJMX track, but this has closed due to ongoing industrial development at the site.
Cllr Simm said: “We have had issues with motorbikes going through Hirst Park for quite some time now.
“I think we’re in a bit of a catch 22 with the bikes where it’s not illegal to sell them, so people are getting them – but there’s nowhere for these kids to ride them. What I’m getting from these groups of kids is that they’re not the type of kids that want to sit in youth clubs, they want to be outside and they like the adrenaline rush from riding their bikes.
“It’s a shame that kids like that aren’t catered for. They’re not bad kids – there will be a handful that are doing wrong, but a lot of them want to be on their bikes and they want somewhere safe to ride them.”
Currently, the nearest option is School House MX in Consett, which is more than 30 miles away from Ashington and with poor transport links.
Cllr Simm continued: “We had the track over at Cambois that was very successful. I’m hopeful people will see a track would be a valuable asset we could have that would tackle the problem and provide a safe space for these kids.
“We’re at a point now where kids are having accidents and being taken to hospital. This is something really important.
“Until we get this in place and try and tackle that, we’re not going to be able to tackle the issues with the bikes.”
Northumbria Police has launched extensive crackdowns, specifically Operation Capio and Project Shield, to combat the rising wave of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and illegal motorbike, e-bike, and scooter use by youths across the region. However, they rely on local intelligence as they do not pursue bikes for fear of harming the public or the rider.
Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for public safety Cllr Gordon Stewart said: “This is an issue that is impacting upon many communities throughout the country, and Northumberland is no different.
“I welcome prevention and, if required enforcement measures. Any advisory, education or distraction activities would assist in this. I would like to encourage residents to report such anti-social behaviour to the police or to Crimestoppers at the time or as soon as practicable.”