Council criticised for removing bike trail

An unauthorised bike trail with obstacles has been levelled by South Norfolk Council

A council has been criticised after it flattened an unauthorised bike trail in a wooded area.

The track in Poringland Woods, near Norwich, was levelled by South Norfolk Council following concerns for the environment and safety.

The authority added it leases the woods and said it got rid of the bike trail to keep to the terms of its arrangement with the owner of the woods.

One resident from the county said: “It is a little bit mean spirited.”

Alan and Denise Hall said they could not see why the council had to flatten the trail

Alan Hall, 65, and his wife Denise, from Framingham Earl, Norfolk, said they use the woods regularly.

“They amuse themselves here, they’re not causing any problems to people who walk past here with dogs. What was the problem?” said Mrs Hall.

Mr Hall added: “It’s a little bit mean spirited.”

The authority has put up a notice to discourage more tracks from being built.

Peter Strange and Juliet Wells said there was very little for youngsters to do in the area

Pete Strange, 66, and Juliet Wells, 65, from Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk, agreed.

“There’s little enough for young people to do anyway, said Mr Strange.

“Would they rather have the kids hanging around on street corners, kicking their heels?” Mr Strange asked.

Mrs Wells said: “There may be some environmental issues around why they might not want bike tracks, but that’s why you work with people.”

'Harming habitat'

A spokesperson for South Norfolk Council said: “While we understand the appeal of bike trails for children, their construction is harming the natural habitat that make the woods so special.

“The safety of the children and other visitors to the woods is extremely important to us.

"When re-landscaping the site, we removed two wheelbarrows, an axe and a lean-to construction, made of some very heavy timbers.

“The woodland owners allow us to lease and maintain the area, but if this situation continues, then we may be asked to remove public access completely, which would be a huge blow for local residents.”