Fresh plea to report Solihull's problem bikes

A FRESH appeal has been made for residents to report the off-road bikes which are known to cause so much trouble on local estates.

After a fairly dismal start to the summer, warmer weather finally arrived last month and with it a reminder to flag up any issues involving bikers.

Although the problems with scooters, mini-motos and other vehicles can crop up throughout the year, it has tended to be the case that activity increases when the lighter nights arrive.

Safer Solihull - a partnership which includes the council and police - says that eyewitness reports can be crucial in tracking down the culprits.

Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, said: "Unfortunately, despite having a borough-wide ban on motor vehicle racing which includes off-road bikes, some people choose to ignore it.

"When this does happen, we need local residents to tell us so that we can continue to take action. "Please share descriptions of the bikes such as colour and make/model, and details of the riders. Any information about where they may be stored, plus photos and videos are also really useful."

The latest appeal echoes comments earlier this year about the importance of residents presenting evidence.

However, some locals complain that the authorities don't do enough to respond to complaints when they're raised. 

And in recent years there has also been a degree of criticism about waiting times when residents call West Midlands Police's 101 non-emergency number.