Quad bikes in Wharncliffe Woods

There seems to be a recent upsurge in the illegal use of high powered motorised vehicles in Wharncliffe Woods, especially quad bikes. This is causing increasing danger to both horse-riders and walkers.

Access seems to be via either close to (the long closed) Deepcar station or via Wraggs bridge onto Moor Hall Tip and then into the woods. Various barriers have been destroyed. In addition a number of gates on Wharncliffe Heath have been damaged and stock has escaped.

We understand that, over a considerable period, a number of calls reporting this issue have been made to 101. However, this seems to have resulted in little, if any, action.

The recent Long Causeway Traffic Regulation Order which puts a prohibition on ‘mechanically powered vehicles' on that route, is likely to increase the number of large off-road vehicles illegally accessing Wharncliffe Woods.

It seems that it will take a serious incident for this issue to increase in priority.

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