A woman whose elderly parents were nearly knocked down by racing motorbikes in a pedestrian-only area in Woodley has shared her fears about the rise of anti-social behaviour.
Jane Mitchell said she fears shoppers and shopkeepers in Woodley precinct are being ‘left on their own, without protection’ from police.
There have been widespread reports of youths riding e-scooters, electric bikes and motorbikes through the precinct despite it being a vehicle-free zone.
She said: “Woodley is experiencing a lot of antisocial behaviour in the precinct and around the town, with a problem of scooters and motorbikes racing through the pedestrianised area..
“My parents, who are in their eighties and are fairly frail, came out of a shop the other day and were almost knocked down by two motorbikes.
“It was to the extent that shopkeepers came racing out to make sure they were okay.”
Jane said she is aware that dozens of people in the community have their own stories of coming into contact with anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.
She said: “Lots of people have written about incidents happening to them, kids daring other kids to ride into shops on their scooters, kids riding directly at people, elderly, mums with kids and people with dogs, riding scooters in the dark along roads with no lights down the perimeter road footpath.”
Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, the parliamentary candidate for Earley and Woodley and leader of the opposition on Wokingham Borough Council, urged residents to report issues to Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, the borough council’s ASB unit, to Matt Rodda, the MP for Reading East and Brian Fennelly of the Woodley town centre management team.
Jane said that both Mr Rodda and Mr Barber haven’t replied to her concerns.
She continued: “The police have said they don’t have the resources. They have suggested CCTV and a disc system but the council aren’t keen, seemingly due to cost.
“They don’t feel CCTV would really help, and it’s up to residents to report to the police.
MP Matt Rodda said he is aware of the issue, and has launched a survey to gauge public opinion about e-scooters.
Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, sport and leisure said: “The Woodley town centre precinct is a pedestrian-only area and has a traffic regulation order, meaning no vehicles including motor vehicles, pedal cycles, skateboards, roller skates, or scooters are allowed.
“Enforcing this is a police matter and not something the council is able to do.
“Our ASB team is aware of the issue with e-scooters in the precinct. The problem with e-scooters is not unique to Woodley or Wokingham Borough.
Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.
