Councillors report off-road bikers for making trails in Sheffield suburb

According to the ‘Birley Ward Labour Councillors’ page on Facebook, police patrols are to be carried out in Frecheville after councillors reported off-road bikers for making trails on open land.

In a post on the page, which is used to provide information to residents and updates on the work of councillors Denise Fox, Bryan Lodge and Karen McGowan, members of the public are urged to call South Yorkshire Police if anyone is spotted digging tracks for bikes.

The post said: “We’ve been contacted by some residents about young people who have been seen digging on the crags.

“When asked, the young people said they had permission from the city council to dig a track for their bikes.

“They have not been acting with council approval and they shouldn’t have been digging in that area.

“We’ve reported this to the police who have told us they will patrol the area, and they are also asking members of the public to immediately ring 101 if they see anything similar happening, and they will attend as quickly as possible.”

The post, which has since been removed, resulted in a number of residents criticising the action taken by the councillors and citing a lack of opportunities for young people.

Residents called for official bike tracks to be created and more facilities for young people, including youth clubs.

Councillor Bryan Lodge said the post was removed because of some inappropriate comments and so that clarification could be sought on the activity complained about.

He said children were initially blamed but it has since been established that the off-road bikers are young adults.

He said councillors are keen to organise meetings with local young people about opportunities and facilities they would like in the area.

“Adults are good at imposing solutions but it is important to ask young people what they want and where, and to work with the community so that everyone can have their say and is involved.

“We have experience of this and are keen to organise surgeries for young people and their parents to attend.”

In the meantime, he encouraged people to use the nearby Charnock Pump Track and Dirt Jumps facility.

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