Fencing to protect land from 'dangerous' off-road bikers

A popular green space will be fenced off after concerns from residents about “dangerous” off-road bikers and speeding vehicles putting children’s safety at risk.

Off-road motorcycles and quad bikes have been using the grassed area off Rutland Road, Tyldesley, which has also seen problems with speeding motorists.

The grassed open space is popular for children’s play and concerned locals have called for action to make the area safer.

It has culminated in Wigan Council agreeing to fence the public open space and they aim to have the work done within six weeks.

Coun Nazia Rehman, who represents Tyldesley on the council, welcomed news of the fencing.

She said: “I am pleased to report that the grassed open space popular for children’s play at Rutland Road, Tyldesley is to be fenced because of safety fears.

“Thank you Paula Hughes for raising this with me.

“Residents have become increasingly concerned about the twin safety threats of speeding vehicles in the street and of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes using the grassed area itself.

“In response to a call for help from resident Paula Hughes, I organised a site-meeting with a council officer and residents to discuss ways of improving safety.

She added: “Up to 30 local children value this space as somewhere to play but the situation has become dangerous and parents have found the situation very stressful. The council has agreed to fence this public open space and aim to have the work done within six weeks.”

The problems with off-road bikers comes after similar concerns reported in other areas of the borough.

In Leigh, bikers have used an area off Congresbury Road as a race track day and night, keeping them awake and causing general misery. Riders even tore out fences and bushes so they could access an area of woodland to do their manoeuvres at the spot, which is popular with walkers.

And in Ashton, police have urged weary residents to report off-road bikers because they said unless they do, there is nothing they can do to help.

Residents affected, among others, are those living in Ashton Heath, who have complained to police in Wigan about the problem and requested the help of a specialist team within Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

People can report incidents to GMP on their website via the LiveChat function, through the reporting form or by calling 101. In an emergency 999 should always be dialled.

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