5 days Ago
New measures are set to be brought in aiming to tackle “noise, disruption and danger” caused by off-road bikers at an historic site. This comes after complaints about off-road bikers causing trouble on the fields near the 16th century Hall i’th’ Wood Museum. The fields are a popular go to for families and children, with funding now lined up for a range of “target hardening” measures to make it more difficult for bikers to get onto them.
Cllr Jackie Schofield, of Bradshaw, said: “This was a clear case of local people raising a concern and the council stepping in to help. "I’m pleased to say we’ve secured the funding and are now working to get the action confirmed. “Off-road bikes have been a real issue here not just because of the noise and disruption, but because of the danger they pose to other park users.
Cllr Schofield says she has spoken to people in the area about their concerns (Image: Public) “As a Labour councillor, I’ll always act on what residents tell me matters, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure we get the job done.” Off road bikers have long been a cause of concerns for people in the area around Hall i’th’ Wood. Back in August 2023, police warned those causing trouble that they had the power to seize their bikes , their second such warning in two months.
This was despite warning signs up on display on nearby lampposts. In June the following year a burned out moped was found in Hall i’th’ Wood by police after reports from members of the public. ALSO READ: Police find moped after it was set on fire ALSO READ: Police issue warning to motorcyclists riding in this area of Bolton ALSO READ: Police issue warning to off-road bikers who don't obey the rules Cllr Schofield says that after talking to people living nearby, she started working with the council’s community safety team to find funding for target hardening.
This means a set of physical measures that are designed to make it more difficult for off-road bikes to get onto the field. Cllr Schofield says that officers are now getting the final details of the work to be carried out ready, which will include measures to physically restrict access and support enforcement. This is part of a wider effort to tackle anti-social behaviour, which also includes more enforcement officers, new alley-gating, and support for neighbourhood policing.
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