New crackdown on off-road bikes

Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and Southways Housing Association are joining forces to crack down on the illegal use of off-road bikes in Chorlton.

Residents in Chorlton and Chorlton Park have complained that some people are using off road bikes on Hough End Playing Fields, Chorlton Water Park and the surrounding areas.

The council's community safety co-ordinator, police community support officers and housing and street environment officers will be operating joint patrols in the area tomorrow (Tuesday 03 June). They will be distributing leaflets and posters and warning people that off-road bikes will be confiscated and crushed. Tenants will also be warned that if an off-road bike is found at their home they may be in breach of their tenancy agreement.

Manchester City Council deputy leader Councillor Jim Battle said; "Most people have got the message that it is illegal to ride off road bikes in the streets, parks and open spaces of Manchester. It seems there are a handful of people still flouting the law. If they continue in this anti social behaviour we will seize and crush their bikes."

Inspector David Nutsey from Chorlton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We really want to make it clear to owners of off-road bikes that we will confiscate any motorbikes being used in a public place, whether the machine is ridden on a public road or on private land. Not only do the bikes cause nuisance and pose an extreme safety risk to people in the community, but the drivers are putting themselves at risk. We ask for the co-operation of young people and parents in helping to tackle this matter."

The joint patrols will also be giving advice on crime prevention and offering support and encouragement to residents to report low level crime and anti social behaviour.

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Sally Wheatman or Claire Keegan, tel 0161 234 4045