A Kirklees councillor has spoken of her “incredible frustration” after sports pitches in Batley were left badly damaged by what appeared to be off-road bikes.
Photos taken at Batley ARLFC on July 5 showed tyre tracks covering large sections of the playing surface. Cllr Yusra Hussain described the damage as “really disappointing” and said it highlighted wider concerns around anti-social behaviour in the area. She said: “It’s really disappointing to see the damage caused to the pitches.
“These are important community facilities used by local children, families and sports clubs, and every pound spent repairing unnecessary damage is money that can’t be invested back into improving them.”
The incident comes despite ongoing efforts by West Yorkshire Police to tackle nuisance off-road bikes across the county. Since its formation in 2024, the Kirklees Nuisance Anti-Social Vehicle Team has seized more than 150 bikes and carried out more than 2,000 prosecutions across West Yorkshire.
Speaking earlier this year, Inspector Charlotte Nicholls of the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team warned that dangerous and illegal riding would not be tolerated. She said: “Those who think it is somehow OK to drive or ride in an illegal and unsafe manner should know that we won’t tolerate it and neither will residents living in the areas they offend in.”
Cllr Hussain said her concerns extended beyond the damage caused to the pitches themselves and reflected broader issues affecting local communities. She added: “We’re working with the clubs, the council and other partner agencies to tackle the issue, but we all have a part to play.
“I want to encourage everyone to take pride in where they live, respect the community spaces we all share, and recognise the impact that ongoing anti-social behaviour, including repeated motorcycle use on the pitches, has on local residents and future generations.”
West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council have been contacted for further comment.
