Call for crackdown on scramblers 'making life hell' for residents

“I have been inundated from residents in Sunnyside and Crawfordsburn areas of Maghera on the concerns in the local community about people riding scramblers recklessly, especially in public areas,” he said.

“Having seen at first hand the reckless activity of those racing around on these scramblers, they are not children and as mid- teens/adults should know better but those responsible clearly don’t care about their neighbours or their communities.

“Many of the residents who have contacted me are elderly and frightened. Some residents are afraid for their own safety when out for leisure walks as these off-road vehicles are being driven on footpaths and recklessly at the open green space area behind Maghera Leisure Centre which is being used as a track for these drivers. This is unacceptable and needs to stop”.

The Sinn Féin representative added: “I urge young people to stop using off-road vehicles in public areas and I ask their parents/guardians to ensure that this is complied with, for the safety of the young person and for the safety of others.

“These vehicles are not being driven in a safe environment and certainly not in a safe manner. This is an off-road sport and within the District there are facilities available to accommodate those who which to participate in a controlled environment.

Within the Sunnyside estate, on a daily basis, residents are fed up that their children cannot play outdoors in a safe environment due to high speed dangerous scrambler activity weaving throughout the area with no consideration for people’s safety.” He added: “It is a shame that, yet again I am highlighting the dangers on the inappropriate use that off-road vehicles are causing in Maghera. This is unacceptable and needs to stop."

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