Gloucestershire Constabulary thanks volunteers as award-winning Mini Bike project closes

Gloucestershire Youth Mini Bike Project is thanking all those who contributed to its success as it closes its warehouse doors for the final time.

The project, which was originally started by the local Neighbourhood Policing team in Cheltenham and then from a warehouse on Bristol Road in Gloucester, saw nearly 2000 riders take part over the last six years.

The project provided children and young people from ages six to 16 somewhere to ride mini bikes in a legal, safe, insured and controlled environment, helping reduce anti-social behaviour on the roads.

The project was led by PCSOs Mark and Sandra Jones, who recruited community volunteers to staff the sessions and secured donations to keep them running. Many partner agencies supported the project over the years, with local charity Infobuzz leading the way.

Sadly the venue has now become unfit for purpose and officers are waving the chequered flag on the project.

Superintendent Emma Davies said: "We would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and commitment.

"It provided those who took part with many hours of fun and ensured lots of young people didn't feel the need to ride illegally on our streets, instead they were taught from a young age how to ride safely and responsibly.

"People can be reassured though that the local policing teams in the county will continue to tackle any anti-social riding on our roads through a mix of warnings, enforcement and education. Additionally our community partnerships will continue working with a range of charities within the county to educate and develop young people."