Illegal motorcyclists 'pose a danger to villagers' lives'

Residents of Flimby, near Maryport, have reported a rise in anti-social behaviour caused by riders, with police determined to take action.

In a number of cases, these illegal riders are off-roading and there are fears that it will not be long before someone is killed or seriously injured.

Inspector Steve Minnikin, from Cumbria police, said: “The worry is the disregard for legal road users and people who are on the path or in the open spaces.

“These riders are dangerous and I dread to think what would happen if a child or a dog ran out in front of one of them.

“We want to engage and educate – but persistent offenders will feel the full force of the law.”

Flimby Brow has been blighted with rogue riders and Peter Kendall, councillor for Flimby, said: “My big issue is the danger they pose to the public, even more the chance that they’re uninsured could have no road tax and the riders are not trained.

“We know that during the current crisis emergency services are stretched, so God forbid there is an accident. They will have to respond when it could have been avoided.

“People need to be more responsible for their actions.”

Copeland councillor Carl Walmsley said he is dealing with more complaints about nuisance motorcyclists than anything else.

“We have a huge problem on the ward with off-road vehicles, especially motorbikes,” he said.

“I’d say 75 per cent of all complaints to me recently are related to motorcycles. A small minority of people regard this kind of vehicle use as harmless fun. However, this regular antisocial vehicle use is having a wider impact on the community.”

Mr Walmsley said while the impact on the neighbourhood is bad enough, he fears the worst.

“The effect of dangerous or reckless use of a vehicle can lead to criminal damage of roads, fields and other vehicles and surrounding property,” he said, “but, more importantly, it could lead to serious injury or even worse for the individual or some poor bystander.”