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Net tightens on moor wreckers
Reporter: Janice Barker
Date online: 19 August 2010
Vigilant country-lovers can report anti-social behaviour such as illegal off-road motor-cycling and fly-tipping on Oldham’s moors via a new website.
The Moorwatch website (www.moorwatch.com) allows anyone to report something suspicious or illegal using an interactive map of the South Pennines, including Oldham and Rochdale.
It has been launched by Pennine Prospects, the company set up five years ago to support the regeneration of the area by local authorities, including Oldham, the National Farmers Union, water and rail companies and the National Trust.
Reports will be monitored by the relevant police service and local authorities to build up a picture of where problems are occurring and to take any necessary action.
The idea came from similar schemes in North Yorkshire and Derbyshire, publicising the Crimestoppers number, (0800-555111) but the South Pennines scheme goes further by also using the website.
It is aimed at illegal off-road motor-cycling on sensitive habitats, and a range of anti-social behaviour, including fly-tipping, arson and disturbing wildlife.
Almost 200 signs in key locations also warn would-be illegal off-roaders that they could be fined and their motorbikes seized.
The project has been co-ordinated by Pennine Prospects and funded by Natural England.
Pam Warhurst, chairman of Pennine Prospects, said: “This is a great new initiative designed to deal with a long-standing problem in the South Pennines.
“We are fortunate in having these spectacular moors right on our doorstep, but some people do not respect them or realise their importance.
“Moorwatch will make it easier to identify where problems occur and take action against offenders.”
Comments
200 signs warned they could have their motorbikes seized? I've yet to see any of the off road police bikes, and they're not allowed to chase anyone who isn't wearing a helmet, so there's no real chance of catching anyone.
How exactly do the Police and the Council intend on seizing these off road bikes? I know they are reported time after time, yet i have not witnessed nor been informed of a single response from either the Police or Rangers. Maybe Cllr Alcock could "huff and puff" himself up onto the moor between photo shoots with Asda and see the damage himself?
How about ringing the Police rather than doing nothing?
LETS CHASE THESE KIDS ONTO THE ROADS EH THAT WAY WE WONT NEED OFF ROAD BIKES TO CATCH EM THEY CAN DO IT IN CARS, PLUS THEY WILL BE SAFER THERE WONT THEY.
What is it about off road bikes.
When you look at the mess caused by fly tipping etc.
I cant for the life of me think how so much rubbish can be carried on a motorcycle.
Try Transit vans and cars etc.
I dont think the report mentions motorcycles fly-tipping? It explains the damage caused by illegal use of motorcycles on sensitive moorland. I think you may have misunderstood it.
Orangepeel, how exactly are the bikes being chased off the moors? What with etc? The offenders I have seen have all been adults who should know better.
The problem with off-road motorcyclists has been there for years.
When will the council give these folk a piece of land to practice thier chosen sport?
Timberwolf I fully understand the report, and yes--well done for spotting the bit about flytipping,
My point is that every time a story like this is run in the Chronicle people suddenly jump on the case of motorcyclists
and off road riding and ignore the flytipping bit.
What about Mountain bikers and organised groups of walkers who can create just as much damage.Perhaps we should go to extremes and ban the weather as well for causing errosion.
Try stopping mother nature--as if!
The moorwatch website has a list of all reports so far; dating back to 8th August 2010. As yet all incident reports are unread!!! How is this going to do any good if no-one can be bothered to read them? How does this reporting actually work? Is this just another white elephant project?
Have Your Say
I have seen these signs dotted around Rochdale and West Yorkshire but have yet to spot one within Oldham borough although Crompton moor is a well known,well reported hot spot for illegal off road motorcycles. Maybe we will see a grinning Cllr Alcock pictured on the moor with a new sign behind him? I won't hold my breath.
By timberwolf @ 19/08/2010 12:58:04