Parents forced to scoop-up toddlers to avoid being hit by nuisance bikers at Nuneaton park
Nuisance riders are 'plaguing' a popular Nuneaton park say angry locals who are demanding action to stop them. One resident, who did not want to be named, said the situation was so bad that parents are being forced to scoop-up their children to avoid them being hit by speeding riders.
They also claim that motorbikes, e-bikes and quad bikes are repeatedly tearing up the grass and the verges, leaving 'mud baths in every direction.' He said that what is a Woodlands Trust area is becoming a 'wreck' and the Heritage Trails are abandoned.
He said it is getting to the point where people, including dog walkers and families, are now simply avoiding going to the park. The local is calling on both the police and local council to take action.
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"I’ve seen parents scoop up their toddlers, to avoid an accident with speeding motorbikes racing along the footpaths," the resident said. Dog walkers turn on their heels and leave the park for their own safety.
"Quad bikes have been seen racing across a bridge, swerving onto the grass areas to avoid the gates, which were put in to stop bikes in the first place, churning up the grass and water, mud flying everywhere.
"It’s completely unacceptable that nothing is being done about this." He added that calls to police, via 101, can take up to an hour without being answered.
CoventryLive contacted Warwickshire Police and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council about the ongoing issues at the park. In a statement, Sergeant Adam Corless of the Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Team, explained that they are aware of the situation at the park and the wider area - and are taking action.
"There are a number of nuisance bike and quadbike riders in Nuneaton and Bedworth who have been causing problems for us, for our community, and for our environment," Sgt Corless said. "We have been using information and pictures submitted directly to us and through the Council's "Dob Em In" online portal to identify these riders and take action against them.
"Only last week, we identified and used Section 59 Police Reform Act powers against two such riders who were identified from photos submitted by the public. In recent weeks, we have seized and crushed multiple motorbikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters which were being ridden antisocially and without insurance."
He urged residents that they can report incidents via the the Dob Em In scheme online here
“You can also make reports online at www.warwickshire.police.uk/report, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," he added.