Mini moto crackdown as beauty spot plagued by antisocial behaviour

A crackdown has started in Warley Woods, in Bearwood, against riders speeding around pathways and grassed areas in the parkland.

People have taken to social media to complain about mini motos riding in the park close to where families and dog walkers have been.

Ward councillors say there have been other acts of vandalism in the park including damage to benches and welcomed the police patrols.

Gates have been closed off at the park to stop vehicles accessing the 100-acre woodland at nights following complaints.

But officers hit the beat on Saturday to patrol through the picturesque parkland in response to fresh reports coming into the force.

Ward councillor Steve Eling, who is also Sandwell Council's deputy leader, today said the police patrols were important to cut it out.

He said: "The mini motos are a nuisance for people out walking their dogs and people taking their children to the park who would be worried about their safety.

"It is a criminal offence and people could be prosecuted for this. We do welcome the police looking at this.

"It isn't so much the damage, it is the nuisance of hearing them too."

Police in Abbey said patrols took place at the weekend around Warley Woods following reports of mini motos in the area.

Warley Woods Community Trust manager, Viv Cole, says that mini motos have been a problem which comes sporadically to the park.

But added there have been other vandalism attacks which have prompted them to hold a fundraiser this weekend to repair some of the damage.

She said: "We have one or two reports of mini motos every so often. It is the general inconsiderate nature of it as well.

"We are very pleased with the police and have a good relationship with them."

Roads at the entrances to Warley Woods in Bearwood have been relaid in recent weeks and a walk is being held on March 7 from 10am to fund replacements for two picnic benches wrecked by vandals last year.

Last year, police from the Abbey neighbourhood team began closing the vehicle gates off Abbey Road on some nights to prevent cars from accessing the site after dark.

It was hoped it would deter groups from gathering at the 100-acre nature reserve and causing a nuisance.

It followed complaints about groups driving into Warley Woods and causing a nuisance by playing loud music.