Heat is on for off-road bikers flouting the law

Manchester City Council will give illegal off-road bikers a stark warning this weekend when dozens of vehicles are crushed beyond recognition into cubes of metal.

The illegal off-road bikes have been seized in Collyhurst and the surrounding area. On Saturday lunch-time the council's Deputy Leader, Councillor Jim Battle, will push the button to start the crusher.

"We have been running a very successful campaign with Greater Manchester Police to rid the city's streets, parks and open spaces of this off-road menace but there are those who are still flouting the law," said Councillor Battle.

"The message is clear: if you ride an illegal off-road bike in a public place in Manchester, it will be confiscated and crushed," he added.

Sergeant Steve Gilbertson, from the Collyhurst Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are working together with the council and the fire service to put a stop to off-road activity. Not only are these bikes dangerous and illegal, they also create noise and disruption that is affecting the quality of life of those living in Collyhurst. We hope this event demonstrates how serious we are about seizing these dangerous vehicles."

The bike crushing is at Collyhurst Park on Harrowby Drive at 1 O' Clock. It is part of the Collyhurst Respect Action weekend which is a 1 team initiative involving Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, the community and other partners to help tackle low-level crime and anti social behaviour.

Throughout the weekend the crime prevention caravan will be at the following locations:

Friday 8th and Saturday 9th August 2pm - 8pm Harrowby Drive

Sunday 10th August 2pm - 8 pm Collyhurst Youth Centre

Monday 11 August 10am - 4 pm New Vine Public House Car Park

For more information about the weekend contact: Cath Keane, Community Safety Co-ordinator on 0161 655 7876.

The 1 team logo was launched alongside Manchester's Crime Reduction Strategy at the Town Hall on Monday to show just how many people are working together to make Manchester even safer.

Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, health workers, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and other partners are all part of the team.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sally Wheatman, Press Officer, tel: 0161 234 4045