Residents “at their wits’ end” as bikers damage Ryhope fields

Groups of bikers have been driving through the fields and damaging the paths in what residents describe as an “ongoing issue”.
Paths at the Store Fields have become muddy as off-road bikers have been driving through themPaths at the Store Fields have become muddy as off-road bikers have been driving through them
Paths at the Store Fields have become muddy as off-road bikers have been driving through them

Fields in Ryhope have become slippery and dangerous, as people on bikes and quad bikes have been driving through them, residents have said.

Since December, there has been mud and “10 foot cracks” in the paths on the Store Fields, where the bikers have been passing through.

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A Ryhope resident, who requested to stay anonymous because of safety concerns, said the problems with the bikers started almost three years ago.

A resident has the issue with the bikers started almost three years ago.A resident has the issue with the bikers started almost three years ago.
A resident has the issue with the bikers started almost three years ago.

“Every single weekend there’s big groups of between 10 and 20 bikers coming from all over Sunderland. They just destroy the area.

“A couple of old people fell on the path, because when the mud is frozen, it’s just like an ice rink. I fell about four times, trying to get back to my house.

“Because they’ve destroyed the field, the water runs down the path like a river.

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“There’s quite a few residents who are just at their wits’ end now.”

A few residents fell on the paths when the mud was frozen.A few residents fell on the paths when the mud was frozen.
A few residents fell on the paths when the mud was frozen.

The resident added that the council promised him back in September to put a prevention in place to stop the bikers getting onto the paths, but nothing has been done yet.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said he knows about the issue and a solution has been agreed.

“It is unfortunate to see that despite a decrease in anti-social behaviour in our City, a small minority are continuing to show little respect and cause the damage that has occurred in Ryhope.

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“I am aware of the issues at this location and, in discussion with officers and the police, a deterrent solution has been agreed which will be installed as soon as the equipment is received.

“I would like to remind our residents that if you know of any anti-social behaviour in your area, please contact Sunderland City Council and report it. We take all reports very seriously, and we will take action on anyone who can be identified. We understand that it can be daunting for residents to come forward and report anti-social behaviour, but they can do so in complete confidence.”

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According to Northumbria Police, anti-social behaviour in Ryhope has been decreasing over the past few months.

Sergeant Craig Sherriff said the force has been working with the council to deal with the off-road riders in the area.

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He said: “We understand the adverse effect that bike-related anti-social behaviour can have on our communities and that’s why we have been proactive at tackling this issue in the Ryhope area.

“Officers are running Operation Eagle in partnership with Sunderland City Council to specifically address off-road riders following concerns raised by some residents.

“That work is still ongoing and has brought some positive results so far, with a string of offenders identified and a number of bikes taken off our streets.

“While we have seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour over the last few months in Ryhope, we are aware of some areas including the Store Fields where riders have been reported to be acting in a totally unacceptable manner.

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“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the local authority to tackle these issues, and are committed to acting swiftly and appropriately to deal with anybody who causes misery to others through anti-social behaviour.”