MOTORCYCLISTS parking on Stratford’s Waterside has re-ignited safety fears.
And former town mayor Cyril Bennis has accused Stratford District Council of turning a blind eye to the potential dangers.
Following a £3million revamp of Bancroft Gardens and Waterside in 2009, the council promised a crackdown on bikes parking up on the pedestrianised area.
The council even created a new bikepark, although motorcyclists say it is too small to accommodate the large number of bikers who gather at weekends and Wednesday evenings throughout the summer.
Mr Bennis, who fears it is only a matter of time before someone is knocked down, told The Observer: “I don’t feel like I could walk on the streets with cars so why would I want to walk in the path of motorbikes?”
“I even overheard a motorcyclist telling a member of the waste disposal team to ‘get out of the way’.”
Stratford BID, director Joe Baconnet confirmed they were aware of the number of motorcycles parking on the area which he said was a footpath.
He added: “The prohibition was put in place for a reason. If the area was designed for motorcycles to park there, and draw people into town, then that would be fine. But it wasn’t and the council need to make a decision on whether to enforce it or scrap it.”
Opinions on the issue differ among residents. Many say the bikes are an attraction in their own right, while others argue they are simply illegally parked.
Stratford District Council said it was currently monitoring the situation and was keen to hear from townspeople, visitors and businesses on the matter.
