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Two men warned as police move to tackle nuiscance vehicles at Barnfield Park in Chatham

12:58, 29 June 2023

updated: 13:00, 29 June 2023

Police have issued official warnings to two men, as part of efforts to tackle off-road bikers at a park plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Officers issued the section 59 warnings on Tuesday, after two men were seen with youngsters on motorbikes at Barnfield Park in Chatham.

Off-road bikers at Barnfield Recreation Ground earlier this year. Image: @BarnfieldBikes
Off-road bikers at Barnfield Recreation Ground earlier this year. Image: @BarnfieldBikes

Kent Police’s Medway team explained the action can be taken if vehicles ar being driven without due care and attention, or elsewhere than in road, and if the driving is “causing or likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to members of the public.”

The warnings last 12 months and apply to both the vehicle and the driver, and vehicles can be seized on a second section 59 warning.

Tuesday’s action follows repeated calls for police and Medway Council to tackle anti-social off-road bikers at the park.

Earlier this year the council held public consultation to look into the impact of nuisance vehicles across Medway as it us considering putting a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place – to give officers powers to issue fixed penalty notices.

The council is currently looking through responses in order to prepare a report for Cabinet, and the council said residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents to the police.

Residents called for action after travellers moved onto Barnfield Park
Residents called for action after travellers moved onto Barnfield Park

Problems at Barnfield Park were exacerbated last week when a group of travellers moved in, parking 21 caravans and other vehicles on the field.

Medway Council reported that the group moved on from the field yesterday.

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