24/5/2006 - Nuisance scramblers targeted in Maryport

A new clampdown is being launched against motorbike and quad bike riders who are illegally using a new £430,000 coastal park in Maryport for scrambling. There are fears that the scramblers are endangering the public and threatening some of the unique wildlife in the coastal park.

Cumbria Constabulary has appealed to members of the public to report unauthorised motorbike and quad bike riders in the 35-hectare coastal park, which runs south from the harbour to Fothergill and includes an area known as the Coal Wash. They can do so by calling 0845 3300247 or anonymously by calling crime stoppers on 0800 555111.

Cumbria Constabulary's Sergeant Richard Thompson said: "We will work alongside Cumbria County Council and the local authorities to ensure the safe use of the coastal park by all members of the public. Any offences committed there will be dealt with as a priority and individuals using motorised bikes or quads on the land can be given an on-the-spot fixed penalty of £30. If the vehicles are uninsured then it could result in far bigger fines or even imprisonment."

Driving off-road is an offence under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and could lead to a vehicle being seized if it's causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

County Councillor Keith Little, who represents Maryport East, said: "The park is being well used and enjoyed by most members of the community. But the use of motorised vehicles is a danger to those who walk and especially to young children."

The area is recognised as an important habitat for several species of plants such as the purple broomrape and pyramidal orchids. It is also one of only three sites in the north of England which is home to colonies of Britain's smallest butterfly, the Small Blue.

Allerdale Borough Council is currently holding discussions to designate the coastal park as a local nature reserve to further enhance and protect the wildlife of the unique grassland habitat.

Jason Dixey, project manager with Cumbria County Council's land reclamation team, said: "A great deal of consultation has been carried with organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the Butterfly Conservation Society to protect this important habitat while opening up the area for people to enjoy. Too much hard work has gone into this project to allow a few unthinking and selfish scramblers to threaten the local flora and fauna.