Taw Hill resident Malcolm Davies, foreground, and Coun Justin Tomlinson at the play area where a scooter was confiscated.
Swindon Advertiser 11/08/06
Threatened residents of Taw Hill have expressed support for a police clampdown on youths riding motorbikes late at night.
Swindon police seized a scooter from a young rider on Tuesday night at the park opposite the Village Centre in Queen Elizabeth Drive.
Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "A large group of youths were reported to be riding motorcycles up and down the road at speed and travelling the wrong way around the roundabout.
"They were not only causing a disturbance to residents, but were placing themselves and other road-users in danger by their reckless activities."
A 49cc moped was seized from a 17-year-old youth who had already received a warning earlier in the year.Malcolm Davies, 42, lives near the village centre with his young family.
He said that most residents are too afraid to speak out because they feel so intimidated.
"We have had problems with anti-social behaviour for quite some time.
"It is great news that the police have taken some action to counter this threat."
There is a basketball court and a children's play area in the park, and groups of young people meet there after dark.
Mr Davies said: "They go there from 7pm or 8pm most evenings. There's a five-a-side pitch, but they don't play any sport.
"They meet to ride their motorbikes on the pavement without helmets. You can also see gangs of youths drinking there until late into the night."
In other Swindon troublespots dispersal orders have been put in place, and Mr Davies thinks one is urgently needed.
He said: "I think it's long overdue. I don't want people to be stopped from using the facilities there, but it's got to the stage where this area is a bit of a magnet for the majority of the troublemakers."
Coun Justin Tomlinson, the council's cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, who lives in the area, said he was glad that action had been taken.
He said: "Numerous residents have raised this as an ongoing concern. Local residents will be delighted at this direct action."
Coun Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) has experience first-hand the intimidating atmosphere that the gangs create.
"I know that in the past residents have challenged the young people who hang around there and have been threatened as a result," he said. "There are a lot of them and they do not take kindly to being told off."
PC Melissa Carr, of Swindon police, who made the seizure, said: "We don't want to spoil anyone's fun but would urge riders to act responsibly by using their bikes in an appropriate and legal manner.
"Parents are also urged to reinforce our message to ensure safety of the riders and harmony within their local community."