Signage to tackle 'plague' of off-road bikes on borough estate

Problems with off-road bikes have become so bad that warning signs will be put up to deter bikers.

Residents of the Shakerley estate, Tyldesley, have been reporting their concerns and fears regarding what they feel is a ‘plague’ of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes in the area.

Now Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police are to partner in erecting signs in the area to help deter would-be offenders.

Tyldesley councillor Nazia Rehman, who called for action against the perpetrators, said: ”The plague of off-road vehicles at Shakerley is a menace which is illegal and dangerous to pedestrians and the riders themselves.

"Because the new signs will act as a first warning to potential offenders, police will be able to use an automatic power for them to seize off-road vehicles.

"The precise siting of the signs is crucial to the effectiveness of the legislation and the council and the police are currently consulting on where to place them.”

It comes after Coun Rehman and people living in Rutland Road, Tyldesley, reported issues with off-road motorcycles and speeding vehicles.

Locals said the riders have been using the grassed area off the road, which is popular for children’s play, sparking concerns for their safety.

These fears culminated in Wigan Council agreeing to fence the public open space.

Work is set to be done within the next few weeks.

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