Fears raised over BMX track proposals

MARTLESHAM: New plans to build a BMX bike track for young people in the village have sparked concerns from residents.

MARTLESHAM: New plans to build a BMX bike track for young people in the village have sparked concerns from residents.

The proposals, put forward by agencies including Suffolk police and Martlesham Parish Council, would see the track being built at the Jubilee play area, near Black Tiles Lane.

At a public meeting held at Beacon Hill Primary School, residents said they were worried about increased noise levels and disturbance.

Acting Sergeant of Kesgrave and District Safer Neighbourhood Team, Pc Kay Hammond, said police officers had been made aware of problems with anti-social behaviour at The Square in Martlesham. In their bid to tackle the issue, they had met with young people to try and arrive at a solution.

“Youths in the area have told us they are bored and want something to do,” Pc Hammond said. “To try and solve the problem we met with youngsters and they came up with the idea for a BMX track. They have worked in various other areas, including Woodbridge and Felixstowe, proving to be really positive.”

But resident Lesley Ward, whose home in Carol Avenue backs on to the site, raised her concerns at the meeting. She “strongly objects” to the proposed track being constructed so close to a residential area.

“The play area has been a constant source of anti-social behaviour particularly in the spring and summer,” Mrs Ward said.

“Under-age drinking, loud music and litter have been the bane of local residents' lives as we have to put up with this nuisance. And now it seems they want to compound this ongoing problem by inflicting an even greater nuisance.”

But Pc Hammond said: “The area will be well policed. We plan to work with the youngsters to get them involved in the design to give them a greater respect for the area.”