THE constant scourge of illegal off-road bikers wreaking havoc across Barnsley must be stopped - ‘once and for all’ - to provide assurance to residents whose complaints have hit record-high levels following last weekend’s snow, according to fed-up councillors.
Barnsley’s six policing teams - Central, North, North East, South, South East and West - were plagued by riders of motorbikes and quads last year and all treated the issue as priorities.
However, recent instances - particularly arising from last weekend’s snowfall when droves of bikers came out - has prompted two councillors in one of the worst-hit areas of the borough to issue an urgent plea for 2025.
Couns Steve Bullcock and Philip Wright, who represent the Kingstone ward - which is under the Barnsley Central Neighbourhood Policing Team’s jurisdiction - have called for a ‘long-term fix’ to be found.
“For many years residents around Highstone Avenue, Bruce Avenue and the general Worsbrough Common area have complained that they have to tolerate off-road bikers,” Coun Bullcock told the Chronicle.
“Illegal riders are damaging the common and causing noise pollution - last weekend we had reports of a group of nine being there.
“As a consequence many parts of the common are starting to show signs of wear - this a consequence of off-road biking.
“Locals believe the area should be protected as a pleasant area to allow families to walk on enjoy the natural peace and tranquility of this green area and maybe enjoy and absorb the tremendous views the common offers us all.
“Many residents are concerned that their complaints have fallen on deaf ears and the problems continue - I’m not complaining about the police or council’s response as it’s an extremely difficult problem to solve, but something has to give.”
Police launched ‘Operation Musician Bravo’ - forming a so-called ‘battle group’ of neighbourhood police, traffic cops and marked and unmarked vehicles - in response to the borough-wide concerns.
It means more targeted action operations are set to carried out, as will cross-border work due to popular biking haunts often spanning across the two metropolitan counties of South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
However, councillors claim it’s not had the desired effect and quad riders - who took to multiple locations across Barnsley on Sunday - have been urged to re-think their actions.
Coun Bullcock added: “We’re asking that those that ride these types of vehicles to please consider the damage that they’re causing to local areas and respect the natural beauty.
“Maybe the council should look into providing suitable areas away from residential properties where quad and motorbike riders can enjoy their hobby without upsetting local residents and damaging precious green areas, which we have seen happen in Kingstone.
“In the meantime the council have been asked to consider ways of discouraging the area from being used for off-road bikers by providing a long-term fix such as possibly providing an open space for people to use.”
Since 2017, South Yorkshire Police’s off-road team say they have been tackling the illegal use of motorcycles, quads and four-by-fours across the county, both in urban and rural locations.
However, they admitted it’s becoming a ‘daily’ issue.
“We have had continued success, proactively seizing vehicles and prosecuting offenders,” a police spokesperson said.
“South Yorkshire Police continue to invest in our team, giving us the training and tools to do our job, and we are as committed as ever to being out in communities, listening to what residents say, and catching these criminals in the act.
“Neighbourhoods are being terrorised and we are trying to tackle this on a daily basis.
“We have seen an increase in bike-related crime in our communities, with many criminals crossing the borders to or from neighbouring forces.
“Victims, such as farm and landowners, are left to clean the mess left behind and meet the cost of repairs.
“We have said it before and we will say it again: please report everything seen and if residents have video or photographic evidence, please send it to us.
“For a crime in progress, please call 999 and for non-emergencies, call 101 or use the smart portal on the police’s website.
“If you want to share something with us that is not a live incident, email sypoffroadteam@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.”
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.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, added: “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.”
