Gate to stop bikers vandalised by yobs
JON MACPHERSON
AKISSING gate and public footpath have been damaged by ‘motorbike yobs’.
The £1,200 gate was recently installed on Altham Lane in Huncoat after funds were raised by former councillor Dave Parkins.
Roy Chetham, chair of the Huncoat Community Forum, said ‘ignorant and selfish’ motorbike riders have now damaged the gate and the footpath close to the railway line leaving the community ‘very upset’.
Police said no arrests have been made and have appealed for residents to identify the culprits.
Roy said: “It’s very upsetting. Dave Parkins raised money over the last few months to get this new gate and a fence put in because the path was being used by motorcycles.
“They were creating a noise nuisance for residents and ruining the footpath and disturbing the wildlife in the woodland. He got this put in and then they go and cut through it to still gain access. They’ve caused a lot of damage which means that will have to be repaired and paid for.
“They have damaged the footpath as well by riding on it. The whole community is angry about it. These people are so ignorant and selfish.
“The police just don’t have the manpower and resources to prevent it. It’s not their fault and it’s not a criticism of them. Really there should be a special mobile patrol on bikes themselves or helicopters to catch these people.”
Ward councillor Eamonn Higgins said motorbikes have become a ‘big problem’ in the area.
He said: “There’s a big motorbike nuisance throughout the borough but Huncoat, because of it’s attractive trails, seems to get more than its fair share.
“It’s very disappointing because it cost a lot of money and now we are back to square one.”
Huncoat PCSO Jennifer Kenyon said the incident has been reported.
She said: “We are aware of it. The motorbike nuisance is a bit of a problem in Huncoat and a lot of areas in Hyndburn.
“Unfortunately we don’t have any witnesses or CCTV for it.
“We do try and send patrols to the area as and when we can but it’s a case of getting names of the people on motorcycles and identifying them.
“We do ask members of the public to ring in and report any bikes and any registration numbers.”
Anyone with information call police on 101 quoting crime reference number ED1703656.