The issue of off-road bikes and nuisance vehicles has been an issue in Medway for a number of years but under Labour's leadership, the situation has worsened. This is despite the creation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the whole of Medway. Social media accounts such as @Barnfield_Bikes on X (Twitter) evidence this with almost daily pictures of disruption and anti-social behaviour taking place.
In the 2023 local elections, Labour made a promise that they would put an end to off road bikes and other nuisance vehicles plaguing our green spaces. Social media accounts belonging to members of the Cabinet have been gaslighting residents that action is being taken, however the reality is very different. Almost daily, off-road bikes are ruining the experience of residents when they visit green spaces.
In October 2023, Medway Council unanimously voted for the PSPO, with Conservative support. This has been followed up by little to no action from the administration, other than temporary signs being placed in some areas which have been removed by those causing the issues. The current situation at parks and green spaces in Medway is driving people away from our brilliant green spaces, making residents feel unsafe and disrupting our local economy. Under Conservative leadership of Medway Council eight of our parks won green flag awards.
Councillor Lawrence, Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Community and Housing said:
“The current situation at parks and green spaces such as the Barnfield recreational ground is another failure of the administration.
Despite a lot of talk on this from members of the Cabinet, the problem remains unresolved. Medway Conservatives call on the administration to replace Cllr Osborne from the enforcement portfolio who has been ineffective in his post and address the issue of off-road bikes and anti-social behaviour in coordination with Kent Police.
This is the time for action not words. This administration must stop gaslighting residents on social media."
