"Are we really waiting for a child to get hurt before anyone actually does something?" - residents demand action over dangerous motorbikes at Ashfield park

Residents say teens on motorbikes are continually hanging around West Park in Forster Street and even riding through the playground area when children are playing.

Frustrated families say they have reported the ongoing issue to police but nothing has been done.

Some families say they no longer feel safe going to the park and are avoiding the area.

Posting on Kirkby-in-Ashfield Community Group on Facebook a resident said: “Honestly, this is getting ridiculous now. Those teenagers on motorbikes in West Park are not just riding around! they’re going straight through the playground where little kids are running around. How is this still happening?! This has been reported to the police multiple times and nothing changes!

“Are we really waiting for a child to get hurt before anyone actually does something?

“Parents, if this is your kids, sort it out. This isn’t “kids being kids”, it’s dangerous!”

Linda Piper posted: “It’s like they deliberately ride in front of you, swerving in and out, on the back wheel - I can imagine most people feel intimidated - their parents know their kids have these bikes whether pit bikes or electric - they need to take responsibility as well.”

Residents who have tried to talk to the teens about the issue say they are met with abuse.

Patsy Morris added: “You say something to them and you get a barrage of abuse back! Unfortunately I will not take my Grandson to the park anymore.”

While quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes and some other two-wheeled vehicles are built for off-road use, it is against the law to ride them in public parks or on publicly-owned land without permission from the local authority.

As with unlicensed powered vehicles, these can only be used on private roads or land with the road or land-owner’s permission.

To report nuisance bikes or illegal off-road biking to Nottinghamshire Police, visit https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/ or call 101. For emergencies or crimes currently in progress call 999.

Nottinghamshire Police have been contacted for comment.