MOTORBIKE TORMENT OF BLIND CHARITY CHAMP
Yobs are making life hell at nature reserve, says Scott
A blind charity champ has blasted the motorbike yobs who are making life hell for him and the users of a popular Larkhall nature reserve.
Scott Cunningham MBE — who has raised thousands over the years for Guide Dogs — hit out at those abusing Morgan Glen and using it as a “motorbike track”.
The 47-year-old was involved in an incident on Sunday when he was out walking with his dog Milo.
This week he has called on police, politicians and residents to unite to help make the area safe again for all to use.
Scott explained: “They are making life hell for the users for Morgan Glen. Morgan Glen Nature Reserve is a fantastic place for all members of the community to enjoy – all ages, and all abilities and disabilities.”
A blind charity champ has blasted motorbike yobs who are making life hell for him and the users of a popular Larkhall nature reserve.
Scott Cunningham MBE — who has raised thousands over the years for Guide Dogs — says locals are terrified by people using Morgan Glen as a “motorbike track”.
The 47-year-old was walking his dog Milo last Sunday, when he was involved in an incident.
Scott, who was awarded his MBE by the Queen for his fundraising, explained: “I often go down to Morgan Glen to walk Milo.
“I go after a day at being at work to de-stress for some peace and quiet. However, the area is being overrun by those using it as a track for motorbikes and quad bikes.
“On Sunday, I went out a walk and got really frightened when one of the bikes came close by to me and Milo. It is really difficult for me to tell how far away these things are from me. All I can hear is the roar of the bikes and I don’t know how close they are. Milo cowered behind me.
“I go to this area to de-stress, not to be stressed. Those using this area are convinced this is a motorbike track but it is not. Other members of the public are equally terrified there is no way any dog walkers could free-run their dogs down here.
“They are making life hell for the users for Morgan Glen. Morgan Glen Nature Reserve is a fantastic place for all members of the community to enjoy, all ages, and all abilities and disabilities.
“There must be another area that motor bikes and quad users could use. My hope is they could be much more understanding of the community who wish to use this beauty spot for dog walking, and be able to enjoy the area without being worried of themselves and their dogs being injured or put into a state of alarm, like Milo and I have endured lately.”
Scott is hoping that perhaps signage could be erected to clear up the issue that the area is not a motorbike track.
Sergeant Jon Mcleish said: “I can confirm, for the avoidance of doubt, that nowhere in the Morgan Glen or the surrounding areas, is a quad bike or motorbike park, and that all riders in this area are doing so illegally and will be the subject of a fine or reports to the procurator fiscal, should they be caught and charged. We will also seize the bike.
“We are increasing our patrols in this area and others like it and as recently as April 25, seized a motorbike from a nearby village, having found a male to be riding on a road and grass areas there.
“We are also working with local elected members and members of the public to gather as much information as possible about who is doing this and encouraging them to report it to police and would encourage readers of this paper to do the same.”
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie said: “I am working with the council and police in order to make this area safe again for all users.
“Those who use the area should feel safe at all points and I would urge anyone who notices anything inappropriate going on at the glen, whether it is those riding quad bikes or vandalism to the area, to report it to the police.
“That way, the police become aware that it is a hot spot and with the value of evidence they can deploy further resources to the area which would result in the confiscation of bikes.
“I will continue to work with the council, residents and the Friends of Morgan Glen group to see if there is anyway we can make the area securer with the focus on the pathways to make it safe for someone like Scott who uses that area a lot. If Milo is injured, and he is a working dog, then that is Scott’s eyes and he cannot work. We have to make this area safe and secure again for those using the area.”
Alistair Mckinnon, head of facilities, waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “Morgan Glen is a beautiful walkway that we want everyone to be able to enjoy. We sympathise with Mr Cunningham over the issue of trail bikes, the use of which is prohibited in this area.
“We will continue to work with local police to tackle this and other anti-social behaviour.”
One of the bikes got really close and scared mi lo