Hole dug to make bike ramp dubbed as 'vandalism'

A hole dug to make a bike ramp on a public path in Guernsey has been dubbed an act of "vandalism" by a parish council.

St Sampson's constables said the police had been notified about a hole and ramp which had appeared.

A statement on the parish website said: "There has been a spate of vandalism at Delancey Park over the past few weeks where the park has been dug up to create ramps and hollows."

But Mark Smith, organiser of a new pump track project for the park, said young people had created their own ramp because there were no facilities for them to use. "It's a bit sad that it's been labelled as vandalism, it's kids getting out there creating something," he said.

Senior Constable Joe Abbotts said the hole was "a very big trip hazard".

Abbotts said he was not against children having fun in the park. "But they don't seem to understand the health and safety implications of doing something like this," he added

"It's a fall hazard, youngsters can get really, really injured especially when it gets darker."

The ramp is located near disused tennis courts which have been approved as the site for a new pump track.

A pump track is a small looping trail suitable for bicycles, scooters, roller blades, skateboards and wheelchairs.

The project is still in its fundraising stage but Smith said he hoped construction could begin this summer.

He said: "This is a perfect example of why you need to give that opportunity for kids to do something constructive as an outlet for their energy.

"When it comes to non-organized recreational activity there isn't an awful lot of facilities in Guernsey."

"They want to do things on their own terms and that's where recreational facilities for young people are really, really important." he added.

Aaron Davies from Action for Children Guernsey said there was much that could be done to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the island.

"We need to take an approach of working alongside young people to see what solutions they want," he said.

"Young people are telling us that they want somewhere they can go with their friends and be safe, but also still be young people."

Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Services on the island, said: "It is of course very disappointing when vandalism happens on one of our premises."

"We'd urge members of the community using public facilities to treat them with respect so they can be enjoyed by islanders without needing repairs," he added.

"Organised and planned cycling events run by the Guernsey Velo Club take place in the park, and children under the age of ten are also permitted to cycle in the park aligned with the Places of Recreation Ordinance."

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