Petition over plan to ban bikers parking under Bridgnorth Town Hall

The ban on motorbikes parking under Bridgnorth Town Hall could come into force as early as September.

Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council have claimed bikes revving their engines have been causing excessive vibrations and noise for those using the hall.

Complaints were also made about bikers leaving litter.

But Tim Bingham, a biker who also works as an artist in Bridgnorth, said he was concerned about a lack of consultation.

Mr Bingham, who is spearheading the campaign, said: "Two consultations were carried out by Shropshire Council but sadly they forgot to ask any motorcyclists.

"We have set up an online consultation and there has been a good response.

"We also have some printed copies, which we will be leaving at the Food Stop Café on the A442 Kidderminster Road.

"We are also going to give Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council a copy of the consultation.

"We then intend to set up an online petition and organise a demonstration."

The council says new allocated parking areas either side of the hall would be introduced once the ban came into force.

But Mr Bingham said it was important further meetings were held between all parties before any decision was made.

He said: "The reasons for the ban are still all made up in my opinion.

"There used to be a designated motorcycle area in Listley Street car park but when it was resurfaced they did away with it.

"There's one place supplied outside Sainsbury's and a section on Meredith's Yard but usually there are cars parked on them.

"The plan is to have designated area on the High Street but if the engines are started the fumes are going to go all over people using the pavements.

"Bridgnorth is also a tourist town and lots of people ride bikes to get here, especially at weekends and over the summer."

Councillor Claire Wild, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said both councils were aware of the concerns of the motorcyclists.

She said: "This area is not public highway and is in the ownership of the town council. We are carrying out this restriction at their request.

"The main reasons for this are noise generation when the town hall is in use, interfering with market stalls on market days, causing problems for street cleansing, planned external refurbishment and the desire to maintain this as a pedestrian space.

"The area beneath the town hall is not designated or signed as motorcycle parking.

"There are additional motorcycle parking bays planned for the High Street to assist the situation and parking provision in the car parks and on street in the car-parking bays, which motorcycles may use."