Calls to ‘stamp out’ illegal dirt bikers in Sands and Castlefield in High Wycombe

Long-suffering residents should call the non-emergency police number when they suspect illegal motorbike activity is happening in wooded areas in Sands and Castlefield, in High Wycombe, said Cllr Darren Hayday – who added the riders may be uninsured, in addition to producing a “dreadful” noise that carries to neighbouring wards.

He said giving the postcode of where the alleged offenders are to police would mean efforts are concentrated on tackling “the danger they present”.

PICTURED: A bike confiscated by the authorities. 

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“Both Sands and Castlefield have suffered with noise and the danger of people riding dirt bikes in and around Castlefield Woods for a long time,” said Cllr Hayday.

“There is the danger they present not only to themselves, which includes not wearing helmets or other protective wear, but also people out walking.

“Although the police have confiscated two bikes, the problem is still ongoing. It covers a large area and there are many escape routes for riders to use.

“It is illegal to ride motorbikes in these areas, as they do not have permission from the landowners. If they have any insurance, it would be invalid without permission.

“The issue affecting Sands, where I and Orsolya Hayday are local councillors, is the dreadful constant noise, which normally happens in the late afternoons or at weekends when the weather is pleasant.

“Because Sands is in a valley, you can hear the noise all around and even as far as parts of Downley.”

PICTURED:  A map of the area.

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Cllr Hayday said he, Cllr Orsolya Hayday, and Cllrs Karen Bates and Majid Hussain, both members for Booker, Cressex and Castlefield, want to “educate residents” from both wards, by encouraging them to report sightings via 101, giving the postcode of the affected area.

He said this will help draw local police to “where the bikers would likely be, which is the service road behind Spearing Road, in Castlefield, which enters the woods”.

PICTURED: Spearing Road.

He added: “The more people who call, the greater the priority, and the more resources local police will devote to the issue – and have more chance of sending patrol cars at times when the bikes are in the woods.

“Working in partnership with the police will help stamp out this issue which affects thousands of residents.”

Cllr Hayday also said: “There are those who say it’s better the kids are out doing this than ‘mugging people’ and so on – but we as local members agree, no illegal and dangerous behaviour is good for anyone.

“If people want to enjoy riding motorbikes, they can do it legally and join a club such as the Flackwell Heath Moto Park, where all levels of riders use their tracks.”

A Thames Valley Police (TVP) spokesman said: “Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in High Wycombe are well aware of the situation and associated anti-social behaviour being caused by the illegal use of quad bikes and dirt bikes in the public open spaces.

“We are working in partnership with the local authority, local councillors, and residents to look to cut down and resolve this on-going issue.

“We are seeking to encourage residents to report on 101 or online when they see or hear that they are being used.”

A Bucks Council spokesman added: "The council is working with police to address this issue which is occurring across the county.

"The police are leading with any operational activity. We would encourage residents to report incidents to the police by calling 101 so that they are aware and can deploy their resources appropriately."

Main motorbike image courtesy of TVP.

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