‘Ruining it’ - Concerns raised about e-bikes at South Shields’ West Park Pump Track
Concerns have been raised at the use of illegal bikes at the new West Park Pump Track.
Green Party councillors in the South Shields’ West Park ward have voiced their concerns as residents report the use of illegal e-bikes at the new pump track.
The West Park BMX pump track has been a hit with youngsters throughout South Tyneside and the wider North East since it opened a few weeks ago.
Having seen four unused tennis courts transformed into the circuit, it recently opened to members of the public and has proven to be popular.
However, local South Shields residents have been reporting growing concerns about the regular use of e-bikes and other anti-social behaviour (ASB) at the track.
While at the track on Friday afternoon (June 5), youngsters told the Shields Gazette about how people turning up on illegal e-bikes and pit bikes are spoiling it for others.
‘It is ruining it for the vast majority of kids’
Councillor Tony Leather, of the West Park ward, has explained that he has received several complaints from residents and has promised to work with both Northumbria Police and the Reform UK administration at South Tyneside Council to tackle the problem.
Cllr Leather said: “I’ve had several complaints about anti-social behaviour, which ranges from people riding electric scooters and e-bikes on the pump track to kids misbehaving in the Sainsbury’s Local supermarket.
“It is unfortunate because it is ruining it for the vast majority of kids not just in South Tyneside but those who are coming from the wider North East to use the track.
“Residents are mainly concerned about the electric bikes and scooters on a night-time because they can use lights so we are asking them to report the incidents to Northumbria Police.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a very difficult issue and we as councillors can’t do it by ourselves.
“We need to work in conjunction with Northumbria Police so we will work with Reform UK and the police to do whatever we can to tackle this.”
Council leader’s pledge to tackle anti-social behaviour
Following his election in May, Councillor Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council, highlighted that tackling ASB in South Tyneside was one of the issues topping his list of priorities.
In an interview with the Shields Gazette just days after assuming the leadership role, Cllr Mackings commented: "Anti-social behaviour is very much at the top of the list.
“It is a major concern for us, as it is for residents. It is a scourge on some of our public spaces.
"People are starting to feel very vulnerable, especially some of our older residents, and therefore don't want to spend time in these open public spaces like the town centres.
"I hope to bring forward and look at the options that we may have."
You can report anti-social behaviour in South Tyneside to the Council at: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/reportit.
Alternatively, you can contact Northumbria Police online or by calling 101.
Residents who have concerns about ASB at the West Park Pump Track can use the NORPOL text service on 07786 200814.
When making a report, it is important to include the exact location and clear details of the issue.