St.Helens mum backs summer Safespace campaign

The mother of a teenager seriously injured in an off-road motorbike accident has backed St Helens Council's Safespace campaign - which aims to clamp down on anti-social behaviour during the summer months.

The annual campaign always targets off-road nuisance, highlighting the misery it brings to other park and open space users as well as the dangers to those using - often poorly maintained and uninsured - scrambler and quad bikes.

The campaign officially gets underway in July with the onset of the school holidays, but after her 16 year old son Liam was left brain damaged following an off road crash near the Dream sculpture, St Helens mother Nicola Woods urged youngsters to act now - and steer clear of trouble.

"I would say to kids thinking of getting on a bike in these situations - 'just don't do it,'" she said.

"Liam probably got on that bike freely, without a helmet, but it turned out to be a moment of madness that's ruined his life.

"I would urge everyone to back the council's Safespace campaign - and forget about using offroad bikes in places where they are not allowed."

Temporary Chief Inspector Derek Riley said: "Liam's case illustrates all too tragically the risks people take when they get on these machines, often without a helmet.

"Lighter nights often trigger an increase in the use of off-road vehicles. But apart from the distress they can cause to other people, the riders run a very real risk of serious injury to themselves. Our message is very clear - off-road is off limits."

St Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing, Planning and Community Safety, Councillor Richard McCauley added: "As well as causing excessive noise and making peoples' lives a misery, these vehicle can pose real dangers for others - with reckless riding on pavements, grassed areas or play areas."

Police officers throughout the borough will be targeting scrambler and quad bikes being used illegally over the next few months - paying particular attention to the area around the Dream - as they aim to build on the success of last year's campaign. Community Safety Partners, including St Helens Council, will be doing all they can to assist

In 2012 anti-social behaviour figures were cut by 10 per cent, with 10 motor bikes and three quad bikes seized and crushed by the police.

Residents can help keep the borough's parks and open spaces safe this summer - and potentially even help to save lives - by reporting anti-social behaviour and off-road vehicle nuisance.

Simply contact Merseyside Police on the non-emergency number on 101 or St Helens Council's Safer Communities Anti-Social Behaviour Unit on 01744 673114.