ILLEGAL off-road bikers who repeatedly plague their communities face being turfed out of their homes - if enforcement teams can prove that they live in one of Barnsley Council’s properties.
Last-ditch attempts to end the scourge of off-road biking - something which leaders say impacts the entirety of the borough - will see a tougher stance taken on offenders in an effort to make them think twice about their antisocial behaviour.
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act is being used to rip up tenancy agreements - and council bosses warned that they are working alongside South Yorkshire Police to take action against those responsible.
The Chronicle can reveal that warning letters are being sent out to tenants responsible and it’s also hoped the zero-tolerance approach will lead parents of youngsters involved to take responsibility before enforcement action is taken against them.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We’re committed to tackling antisocial behaviour in Barnsley, helping to make our communities and neighbourhoods a safer place for everyone.
“This includes the illegal use of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes, recognising the distress and damage they can cause.
“We work closely with our partners, including South Yorkshire Police and Berneslai Homes, to take proactive action to get these vehicles off our roads and out of other public spaces.
“As per the requirements set out in council housing tenancy agreements, we will continue to explore taking tenancy action against repeat offenders where their actions are affecting the quality of life of those around them.”
While bosses have admitted it’s a borough-wide issue, the Barnsley North East Policing Team’s officers - responsible for hardest-hit areas including Grimethorpe and Royston - are stepping up patrols due to recent incidents.
A spokesperson added: “Joint operations have been done with the off-road motorcycle team and proactive use of tenancy enforcement for repeat offenders affecting other residents’ quality of life are being done.
“This is being done under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.”
A council report into antisocial behaviour labelled evictions as one of its ‘most significant’ powers.
“It is also extremely important that outcome expectations are managed with the public when addressing antisocial behaviour.
“Using evictions, as an example, evicting someone from their home is one of the most significant powers available to the council.
“The courts rightly insist that there is compelling evidence to demonstrate why such action is necessary and will insist that all other measures have been explored before considering granting an order.
“Evictions on management grounds for antisocial behaviour remains relatively rare and is done in the most extreme circumstances, yet it is often what complainants ‘expect/ to happen at the outset.
“Services in Barnsley recognise the priority of tackling it as the impact it can have and the damage it can do to people’s lives is without question.
“We have a strong track record of working effectively in partnership in tackling antisocial behaviour and connecting with local communities to identify what is important to them.
“We have recently given Berneslai Homes the power to prepare and serve community protection warnings where tenancy action has failed to sufficiently address incidents.”
