Barrier goes up to stop nuisance off-road bikes in Allerton

It follows complaints from local residents about quad bikes and motorbikes regularly being ridden through residential streets in Allerton.

They were using the streets to access nearby Chellow Dean woods and one resident was calling for action to prevent the off-road bikes gaining access through Meadowbank Avenue.

Now Bradford Council has confirmed that bollards have been installed at the entrance point designed to prevent anti-social access.

Signage reminding people about the anti-social vehicle use Public Spaces Protection Order in place (Image: Newsquest)

In addition, new signage has been installed to remind people that the area is covered by the district-wide public spaces protection order to tackle anti-social driving.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, welcomed the installation of the barrier but added that he still hoped for traffic calming measures too.

He praised the work of two local PCSOs who he said had been “instrumental in addressing some pressing issues in our community”.

He added: “Although there's still work to be done, we have seen a reduction in anti-social driving and quad bike incidents, thanks to their hard work. Our community is a better place because of them.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Local ward councillors have worked with the Countryside and Rights of Way team and the Bradford West Area Co-ordinator’s office to address the anti-social off-road access into Allerton Village Green and Chellow Dene area, but still allowing access for residents.

“The barriers at Meadowbank Avenue are the first to be installed with the co-operation and support of the landowners and residents. New PSPO zone signs have been put in place on lampposts and residents have also been asked to support by continuing to report incidents to the police.

Footage showing nuisance off-road bikers on residential streets in Allerton (Image: Google Street View/Newsquest)

“Following previous residents’ concerns we have included these streets on the waiting list for enhanced traffic calming measures. Any funding would be subject to future prioritisation as part of the Council’s Safe Roads budget.”

The Council added that people should report the anti-social or illegal use of motorbikes and quads to the police by calling 101 or online here.

West Yorkshire Police reiterated its earlier statement that anti-social behaviour involving off-road bikes would not be tolerated.

Sergeant Tony Imeson of Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing team said: “Using these fields for anti-social behaviour on off-road bikes is not acceptable and anyone found to be doing this will be prosecuted and have their bikes seized.”

In May he said that patrols had been stepped up in the area and colleagues from Operation Steerside were regularly carrying out operations in the area.