Harwell BMX pump track vandalised as police to take ‘action’

A hotly anticipated brand new pump track in Harwell Recreation Ground has been under construction since early March, in a project brought forward by the Parish Council and OxTrails.

But the project has been delayed by motorbike and e-bike riders who broke through the site fencing and ‘destroyed’ the hard work of volunteers on the unfinished site.

Harwell pump track (Image: Harwell Parish Council)

READ MORE: Police inspector demoted for messaging juniors on Grindr

Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood team for Wantage and Grove said they will be taking action against the vandals.

A spokesperson said: “The Harwell BMX pump track is a brilliant project for local young people — but it’s still under construction.

“Recently, some individuals have been entering the site on electric bikes and motorbikes, putting themselves at risk and causing delays.

“Heavy machinery is operating. The site is unsafe. And the more it’s interfered with, the longer it will take to open.

“We are already in the process of identifying those responsible, and action will be taken.

“This track is for you — don’t destroy it before it’s even finished.

“Officers will continue patrolling, and illegal electric bikes or motorbikes being ridden illegally will be seized and crushed.”

Harwell pump track (Image: Harwell Parish Council)

The parish council earlier said the track is facing ‘significant’ repair costs and will be delayed in opening due to extensive damage to the unfinished track and fencing.

READ MORE: Henley MP calls for vaccine roll-out after meningitis death

A spokesperson said: “Despite our best efforts to secure and maintain the safety barrier to the site, they have resorted to bending and climbing the fencing to get in.

“They have caused extensive damage to the track surface and to fencing on site.

“Because the surface isn’t finished and was never designed for motorised vehicles, the damage is serious enough that we’re now facing significant repair costs and a delay to opening.

“So much hard work by local volunteers has been destroyed.”

BMX bikers on another trail in Oxfordshire (Image: OX Trails)

The council said motorbikes, including two green Revvi bikes, were among those to illegally break in.

The site remains still under construction and over the coming weeks, efforts will be made to repair the damage.

Harwell Parish Council has urged people to come forward if they have any information about the culprits.

READ MORE: Cotswolds home raided for cash after doors smashed in

“If you see anyone riding the track who does not appear to be part of the build team, please call the police on 101 straight away,” it said.

“And if you know the young people involved, please make their parents or guardians aware of the damage they have caused.

“We’d love this to stop before it goes any further and destroys a facility designed by the community, for the community.”