In response to residents' concerns about nuisance motorcyclists at Westwood Country Park, the Ecclesfield Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs), in partnership with Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Countryside Department have worked to improve the environment and tackle the problem.

Officers have been tackling illegal off road motoring at Westwood Country Park for the last two years and in that time have conducted a number of operations involving the police helicopter, police off road cyclists and police officers and police community support officers (PCSO) from the Ecclesfield SNT. As a result of these activities and our ongoing work to identify offenders we have reduced the incidents there substantially by issuing warnings, seizing motorcycles and prosecuting motorcyclists.

Currently there are major engineering works being undertaken in Westwood Country Park, which in the initial stages of this work, illegal bikers were able to gain access to the park through temporary access routes. However, following this officers from the Ecclesfield SNT, working with the Parks Department and the contractors have been able to place boulders, raise earthworks and reinforce fencing to deny access to those intent on creating danger and annoyance for others. In addition, officers have placed signs around the area warning that anyone involved in illegal motoring is liable to have their vehicle seized on the spot. Ecclesfield SNTs have a number of focussed operations planned in the area in the future and with your help, calling in when incidents occur and identifying offenders, we will be able to keep the park a safe place for all those who go there to enjoy it