A makeshift BMX ramp built by young people at King George V Recreation Ground has sparked a mixed reaction among residents, after Twyford Parish Council confirmed it has been reported to police as anti-social behaviour.
The council says the structure, created using soil from the field, amounts to criminal damage and has been referred to both its Anti-Social Behaviour Team and local police. Officials are now urging those responsible to restore the area to its original condition.
In a statement, Twyford Parish Council also called on parents to speak to their children if they may have been involved, particularly if they had taken tools from home to help build the ramp.
However, the response from the local community has been divided. While some residents agree that the ground should be protected, there were plenty more who have defended the young people’s actions, arguing that the ramp provides a positive outdoor activity and a place for them to gather.
Several residents have suggested that, rather than removing the ramp, the council should consider working with young people to develop a safe, designated BMX facility in the area.
One resident commented on the Facebook post by the council and said: “Total joke. They really could be up to no good but this is healthy and see nothing wrong – Happy to visit with a spade and help them make the jump even more epic.”
Another added: “Isn’t it your job to engage with the council on local matters? I think the kids are making it clear that there needs to be better outdoor facilities to enable them to stay active. They are clearly just having fun with their friends.”
Another said: “A quiet word with them would have been suffice and maybe some constructive Suggestions as to where they could possibly go and have a dig about to make a jump/little circuit. If they want to pop over to the Bike shop in Caversham I’m pretty sure they can give them some cool ideas on places that exist and places they could potentially try out. Clearly it shows that Twyford parish council are lacking facilities and or space for daredevil youngsters or simply put…. A space for boys be boys.”
One more resident said: “This is not criminal damage. This is youngsters make some real good memories that will stay with them for the rest of there life’s. This is the big problem these days kids are not aloud to be kids anymore.”
