Doubts over bid to tackle noisy bikers

For some time people have complained about noise caused by motorcyclists illegally riding on land off Alfriston Road, next to the cemetery.

'No Motorcycles' warning signs had been vandalised and calls to police have failed to stop bikers using the area on a daily basis. Fly tippers have also been targeting the area leaving heaps of old furniture.

To combat the problems landowner Lewes District Council has suggested the BMX track be surrounded by a cage-like fence. It would be low enough to allow young people to lift their BMX cycles over but too high, in theory, for motorbikes.

The rest of the land would be turned into a general grassed recreation area with trees. There would also be further fencing at intervals to stop motorbikes getting a run-up.

Seaford Town Council community service committee members discussed the plans on Thursday last week

Cllr Roger Frost said it was a shame the BMX riders would be 'imprisoned' by fences but welcomed the attempt to solve the problem.

Cllr Les Whittle said it was 'better than nothing' but was not convinced the fencing would be strong enough to deter motorbikers.

Cllr Julian Peterson agreed. He said: 'I fear the fences will not be robust enough.'

The motorcyclists were not likely to give up their sport and an attempt should be made to find them somewhere safe where they did not bother others, said Cllr Eddie Collict. 'We need to try to press Lewes District Council to identify a site were youngsters can go legitimately with their motorcycles.'

Cllr Rosemary Collict said the noise from the bikers was 'horrendous'. 'It is patently obvious we must get something done about it,' she added.