Residents welcome blitz on bikes

Residents have welcomed a blitz on the mini-motorbike menace which blights people's lives in Wednesfield.

At least four people have been arrested and eight machines seized in a blitz on illegal riders.

Areas such as Ashmore Park, The Scotlands, Bilston and canal towpaths in the area have become playgrounds for the users, who are uninsured and often do not wear helmets.

Officers are using off-road bikes to go after youngsters who tear around on the machines without a licence or insurance.

The menace has prompted scores of complaints from residents all over the West Midlands who are fed-up with the noise.

Police say riders are putting themselves and others at risk, and launched Operation Writhe on May 1 to tackle the problem.

Former Wednesfield councillor Phil Bateman said residents were supporting the blitz.

He said: "It is clear that there is a real effort being made by Wednesfield police to protect pedestrians and others from these boy racers, who really do not care too much about others."

A number of riders have been injured around the region. Whitmore Reans, Warstones, Bridgnorth Road and Smestow bird sanctuary and disused railway lines have all been problem areas.

Mini-motorbikes can be ridden legally on private land and only then with the permission of the owner. Yobs who repeatedly cause havoc could be given anti-social behaviour orders.