Calls for action to tackle irresponsible & illegal scrambler use

A Carrickfergus Councillor has called for an action plan to deal with on going issues of illegal scrambler and trail bike use.

UUP Councillor John Stewart was commenting after a number of recent incidents that resulted in police action across Carrickfergus.

"There is clearly a growing trend of scrambler use by a small monitory of irresponsible owners that is causing a great deal of frustration to the public and could end up causing someone serious harm".

"In recent weeks I have been contacted by many members of the public are are increasingly frustrated by off road bikers. Areas particularly affected are playing fields at Salthill, Woodburn & Greenisland and also the public walk ways through Bashfordsland Wood".

"The noise, damage and threat to public safety caused by irresponsible users is now at a point where something needs to be done. I have called on council officers to look at measures to restrict biker access to popular sites, asked them to liaise with the police to help with enforcement and work with the local PCSP to inform parents and young people".

Councillor Stewart pointed out this was not a witch hunt and he was not there to spoil anyone's fun but was primarily concerned with public safety.

"I recognise that for many this is a popular past time but it needs to be conducted in a safe area away from the public. To that end I would be happy to see the council look at the potential for a designated site that could be used for off road biking".

Supporting Councillor Stewart, a representative from the Woodland Trust highlighted the growing problem in Bashfordsland Wood and the need for control measures to be imposed as quickly as possible.

The calls for action from elected representatives comes in the wake of recent offences in Carrickfergus and Larne that has resulted in PSNI action including a bike being seized in the town last week.