'Exhausted and angry' Hastings residents 'deprived of sleep' by motorcycle noise

A resident said more than 90 people living in Pelham Crescent had 'reached the end of their patience'.

She said: “For approximately three months, we have been subjected almost every night to excessive and completely unacceptable noise from groups of motorcyclists using the nearby public car park and surrounding roads.

“They appear to race, rev their engines, ride at extremely high speeds and deliberately create enormous amounts of noise, often continuing until 3am or 4am.

“This is no longer simply a 'noise nuisance'. We are being deprived of sleep in our own homes.

“Residents have repeatedly contacted the police, sometimes almost every night. Yet despite all these reports, very little appears to be happening.

“When we call the police, we are often told that a vehicle will be sent. Eventually a police car arrives, but it is apparently not an operational unit able to deal with the situation.

“By the time officers arrive, the motorcyclists may have dispersed. On some occasions, residents believe the riders then deliberately make even more noise afterwards.”

She said the situation was also affecting vulnerable residents in the street, who were being 'violently disturbed' at night by the loud noise.

She added that she was only managing to get around three hours of sleep some nights due to the noise.

The resident said: “Parents should not have to worry about their children being violently woken by excessive engine noise at 2am or 3am. People are exhausted, angry and increasingly distressed, and we should not have to live like this.”

Insp Matt Chapman said: “Sussex Police is continuing to tackle anti-social driving and riding in Hastings, including along Hastings seafront, and we recognise the significant impact this behaviour can have on local residents and communities.

“Last month, Sussex Police carried out Operation Glide in Hastings, resulting in multiple motorcycle seizures as part of ongoing efforts to address concerns around motorcycle-related anti-social behaviour and road safety.

“Recent targeted activity has also resulted in a number of arrests, vehicle seizures and enforcement action, with officers focusing their efforts on tackling the behaviour and offending that causes the greatest harm and disruption to our communities.

“We continue to encourage residents to report incidents to Sussex Police, as this helps build local intelligence and ensure that the most appropriate action can be taken.

“Anyone with concerns about vehicle crime or anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.”