Public opinion seems to have been split after concerns were raised about the riding of dirt bikes in an area of natural beauty in Armagh.
An anonymous member of the public published a post about their concerns on the Friends of the Folly River Facebook page on Sunday (February 22).
In this post they outlined that the dirt bikes they witnesses were being “raced” by youths up and down the pathways of the Folly.
They said: “It’s obviously a noisy disturbance but more importantly extremely dangerous with many families out and about today. And as far as I understand, illegal.
“When one came past us we had a word with him and he seemed to take it seriously, but we hear them at it again. What would be the next steps? Does anyone know them? Not really one to call cops on kids…”
However, the post seemed to garner opinions from all sides, with one person saying: “Let kids be kids, not hurting anyone!”
Another suggested clearing a field between the “iron bridge and the path to the shop” would make a “great wee track for the like of bikes”.
One person, in agreement with the anonymous poster, complained that dirt bikes are also being ridden through Greenfield estate.
They continued: “…and the speed they are going is ridiculous. If a child or adult stepped out onto the road they would be killed instantly. Yes let kids be kids but this is illegal and a total disgrace and reckless.”
Police in Armagh confirmed they are aware of concerns from the community about anti-social behaviour in the Greenfield Close area, including reports of young people on scramblers.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Moffett said: “We would ask that anyone who sees any ongoing anti-social behaviour report it to us as it happens on 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps us to focus our patrols where they’re needed and allows us to take positive action.
“Our neighbourhood team will continue to engage with residents. I would also ask local parents and guardians to speak to their young people about where they are and who they are with, and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour.
“Ultimately, they could end up with a criminal record which may impact their future employment and travel prospects.”
