Pupils design anti-motorbike nuisance signs

The winning signs are on display outside Kings Heath Primary Academy

Three school pupils have had their designs turned into permanent signs aimed at tackling motorbike-related anti-social behaviour.

The initiative at Kings Heath Primary Academy in Northampton followed regular visits by police community support officers, during which the school held a competition for students to create awareness-raising posters.

More than 100 pupils participated in the project, submitting designs to highlight the issue and promote community safety.

The winning entries have been made into signs displayed outside the school.

The unveiling ceremony, held on 3 December, was attended by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, competition judge PCSO Andy Emberton and the winners' families.

"I am pleased to see that work is being done to tackle the problems of motorcycle nuisance in Kings Heath," Ms Stone said.

More than 100 students at Kings Heath Primary Academy submitted designs for the competition

The competition was part of an ongoing Northamptonshire Police effort to curb motorbike nuisance in the area.

Sarah Durbin, principal of Kings Heath Primary Academy, said: "By partnering with local police to create signs for the community, our school not only reinforces safety and awareness but also fosters a sense of unity, showing that together we can build a stronger, more connected community.

"It also allows our school to help spread messages of safety, respect and co-operation, turning every sign into a symbol of shared responsibility and care for one another."

'Building trust'

PCSO Emberton, who regularly visits schools on the estate, said: "We know that motorcycle nuisance has been a problem in Kings Heath for a while, and as a neighbourhood policing team we have been working hard to try to reduce it as much as we can.

"Being able to visit the school on a regular basis to help the children build trust and confidence in the police force has been extremely rewarding and has meant that the children have been more engaged making their signs."

The funding for the signs was provided through the Supporting Communities Fund, a scheme run through via the police, fire and crime commissioner's office.