New barriers to halt anti-social quad bikers in Wigan

Wigan Council has invested in anti-vehicle barriers and narrow gates near to Brocstedes Field in Bryn to deter illegal use of the powerful machines on the site.

The area has been plagued by two and four-wheeled vehicles getting onto open land and several entrances have now been blocked with the new obstacles.

Reinforced steel fencing has also been installed along a stretch of neighbouring Brocstedes Road and an anti-bike gate put at the pedestrian entrance to the field off the same street.

The action has been praised by local elected representatives as the use of bikes on the field has been causing concern to the community for several years.

Coun Nathan Murray said: “I’m very glad to see these barriers finally be installed alongside Brocstedes Road.

“Several local residents have contacted me throughout my time as a councillor complaining of incidents of bikes and other vehicles driving dangerously on the field.

“This behaviour not only churns up the grass but deters dog walkers and recreational users from enjoying this wonderful local green space.

“The barriers were installed after meeting local residents and council staff on site several months ago to discuss the best way to help prevent this problem.

“It simply isn’t practical or realistic to install barriers around the entire perimeter of the field

“Fortunately there is a good barrier of hawthorn around most of the field which acts as a natural barrier to vehicles.

“This enabled us to isolate several locations which were clearly and repeatedly being used by the culprits for access; it is these locations where we have installed the barriers.

“I would like to thank local residents who worked with myself and Wigan Council on this and I’m grateful to Wigan Council for allocating and agreeing to the funding for this scheme.”