Safer Derbyshire Meeting

Several members of Bonsall Riders attended the Safer Derbyshire Meeting at the Village Hall on 29th April. please see the following bullet points from notes I made at the meeting:

• The Police would prefer at this stage not to prosecute offending motorcyclists and 4X4 they are choosing to use information/communication and word of mouth at this current time and enforcement was a last resort, there was some concern around the table from residents about this.


• Police informed us that the offenders when informed of the upset they were causing to villagers they said they didnt realise that it was that much of a problem to us.


• Police have been giving leaflets out and said progress will happen but will be slow.


• The Police confirmed that there are legitimate rights of way that can be used by motorised transport in the Bonsall area, which are attracting people from all over the country as far away as Wales! Bonsall Moor is featured on Youtube.


• Police confirmed that there have only been 11 calls for service from the Police concerning the issue over the past 12 months mainly from the same source.


• It was confirmed that Dobb Lane is a restricted by way and I made a request that hot spot times be identified and requested a Police presence at those particular times i.e. Sunday lunchtime at the entrance of Dobb Lane.


• Signage has been removed and needs replacing.


• Police went around the table to and ascertained what residents actual issues were, which included, speeding through the village, large towing vehicles in narrow lanes, not being able to ride on the bridleways at weeekends because of the vehicles using them as it isnt safe, the damage to the landscape, petty crimes being committed in the area, fly tipping, using bikes on farmers land, verbal abuse and the noise to name but a few.


• Police said that they would draw up an action plan and ascertain what staffing and locations they need to find/cover.


• You can call PSCO 4512 Hannah Burns to report any issues you have Tel: 0845 123 33 33 or email her Hannah.Burns.4512@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk


• There were concerns from around the table that someone would have to be killed before something is done about the issue.

ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE:

• Report all incidents - the Police are figure driven - do not feel like you are being a nuisance.


• Report signage to the Council if you notice it has been broken down.


• Report incidents on this blog of near misses and abuse if experienced we can use it as evidence.


• Report any patterns or regular use of bridleways to the PCSO Burns that you notice.


• Put comments on any Youtube insertions that you notice regarding Bonsall Moor saying that the Police are monitoring the situation.

We all need to work together to sort this issue out and if we dont take any action the issues will continue and probably get worse.

Pam