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Adam Lumley TheYamYam 16 Jan 10
Assets and money seized from the criminal underworld and council VAT receipts are helping to curb dangerous off-road motorbike riding in Walsall. Almost £27,000 has been awarded to Frank F Harrison Community Association to run motorbike scrambling sessions for young, illegal bikers.
The funding for mobile floodlighting, five new motorbikes and protective equipment has been granted by the West Midlands Criminal Justice Board (WMCJB) Community Cash Back Scheme and the Visionary Investment Enhancing Walsall (VIEW) Community Chest.
Development Manager at Frank F Harrison, Bruce Bennett, said: “The programme is to be seen as a reward and privilege for young people participating by making an otherwise expensive activity accessible to the young people of Walsall.
“Should young people who are referred on to the programme persist in offending behaviour, they will be excluded from the project and dealt with through the criminal justice system.”
Funding from the WMCJB derives from the confiscation of the proceeds of criminal activities, including drug money and the sale of cars and property. The VIEW fund, a partnership between Walsall Housing Group and Walsall Council, is financed by VAT repayments on major works.
In September last year, police in Bloxwich cracked down on off-road biking and Walsall Council threatened to confiscate and destroy any mini-motos, quad bikes and off-road motorbikes.
Welcoming the new Frank F Harrison project, Chair of the Safer Walsall Partnership, Councillor Garry Perry, said: “Illegal off-road motorbike riding is something which we know is of great concern to residents in a number of areas across the borough. This project gives them the chance to take part in the activity in an organised and safe venue away from the streets, but will make them aware of the dangers of riding motorbikes in areas such as on footpaths and in parks.”
It is not known how many concerned residents will be able to use the facility. For more information on where you can legally ride off-road bikes, call Walsall Council on 01922 650000. To report any anti-social behaviour in relation to off-road biking, contact the local neighbourhood policing team on 0845 113 5000.