Grantham councillor wants to tackle anti-social behaviour and ‘nuisance’ off-road motorbikes in Londonthorpe and Harrowby area
A councillor is on a mission to tackle anti-social behaviour, including the use of off-road motorbikes, which has cost a parish council hundreds of pounds.
South Kesteven District Councillor Elvis Stooke (Belmont, Ind) explained that the use of off-road motorbikes and similar vehicles have been “causing a nuisance” within the Londonthorpe and Harrowby area, particularly around the Hills and Hollows beauty spot.
In June, it was reported that several counts of vandalism had left Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without Parish Council with very little money in its budget for repairs.
Coun Stooke said: “There are a lot of concerned residents about the matter. The police are doing everything they can with the resources they have.
“It is not an overnight fix. I'm aware it has been going on for quite a few years. I am determined to get on top of it.
“This is not about me or residents stopping people from having fun. It is about common sense. We don’t want to see an injury, we want to see people enjoying the area.”
Coun Stooke said that he has heard from at least 20 residents on the matter, who are “at the end of their tether”.
He gave one example of a woman in his ward, who wishes to remain anonymous, who is in remission following cancer treatment.
“The noise is not helping her,” added Coun Stooke. “It has just gone on for too long and it needs to stop.”
“As a councillor I want to put my hand out to say [to those responsible], be mindful of what you are doing and start respecting the area that you live in and the constituents.”
He explained that he wanted to start a dialogue with those who are causing the issues.
“My message is clear,” continued Coun Stooke. “I would like it to stop and the fact is for the constituents, don’t think I am not doing anything, because we certainly are.
“It is going to take some time. If there are incidents they need to be reported.
“Don’t fear any reprisals, it can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers or by calling Lincolnshire Police on 101.
“Any incidents of antisocial behaviour need reporting and it can be done in strict confidence.
“You have my full support if you are reporting this. It is something I would like to get stopped.”
SKDC is currently seeking views from the public, with the aim to “refresh powers” that tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
Coun Stooke added: “This is not about being negative. It’s about positive steps to deal with ASB incidents and making the area safer to live in.
“I am determined over my four years that I am going to battle this. It’s not fair to the constituents. This is one of my number one goals.”
Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without Parish Council share similar concerns, with parish clerk Pete Armstrong describing the issues as “a long, ongoing saga”.
He said: “We have suffered with anti-social motorcyclists etc. at the Hills & Hollows since we purchased it in 2011, with several £100s having to be spent repairing fences damaged by motorcyclists breaking in.
“They are also a considerable danger to walkers and their dogs in that whole area.”
Pete explained that, a few years ago, one lad was “very seriously injured” in an accident near the Hills & Hollows.
He continued: “We would ask members of the public to report any incidents to the police.
“A few years ago at least one bike was found to be stolen and another was destroyed by the police. This is what needs to happen!
“Only on Monday evening, I saw a quadbike which I believe was heading in that direction via Tennyson Avenue.
“I would add this is not the only area of the parish to be plagued by [anti-social behaviour].
“Only a couple of months ago, a group of youths entered Belton Park in the late afternoon and caused problems.”
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “There is a yearly problem with off road bikes using the area known as the Hills and Hollows in Grantham, and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team currently has this as one of our local policing priorities.
“We have stepped up foot patrols in the area to deter the perpetrators, and we would echo Councillor Stooke’s encouragement for people to report incidents.
“We have some in the local community who will regularly report which we really do appreciate, and we’d ask anyone else who witnesses an incident to get in touch as well, so that we can continue to build our intelligence picture.
“We’re particularly keen to learn where the bikes are stored or who is using them. We’re glad to see that the community feels we’re making headway.”
To report anti-social behaviour, call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.