Bikers concerned village meet could be banned

Thousands of bikers attend the weekly meets on Great Bentley's village green during the summer

A motorcyclist said thousands of people would be hurt if a weekly biking event that has taken place for decades gets outlawed.

Great Bentley Parish Council is considering the future of Bikers Night, which sees many enthusiasts gather on the village green over the sunnier months and is one of the largest of its kind in England.

Council papers showed the informal event must either be managed by an official body or banned.

Sam Arnett, who first visited the Essex village as a child, said the uncertainty was "heart-breaking" for the riders involved.

Responding to a council consultation, 398 villagers out of 442 surveyed said they were in favour of the meets continuing.

First reported in the Colchester Gazette, Mr Arnett said most residents thought it was a key tradition of the village.

Sam Arnett said the motorcyclists had "an untouched level of camaraderie"

"I've made lots of friends down there and created a mental health group to support people," the 36-year-old said.

"I've had people messaging me to say it is the only time their dad went out, or that it was vital for their mental health."

'Camaraderie'

The event takes place on Wednesday evenings and can attract as few as 50 visitors - or as many as thousands.

However, the council has become concerned about liability if someone gets injured on its land.

Council documents showed the authority's next step was to engage with the biking community following the results of the consultation.

Mr Arden, who runs the Colchester Throttle Therapy group, said he feared trade in the area would decline if the event was banned.

Hailing its importance, he added: "The culture between motorcyclists is an untouched level of camaraderie, all because you ride a bike."

The council has been approached for comment.