Hartlebury Common targeted by bikes, cars and flytippers

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A protected beauty spot is being ripped up by quad bikes and cars and is being targeted by fly-tippers - leading to police stepping up patrols.

Officers are warning people not to ride an off-road bike or drive a 4x4 on Hartlebury Common following recent reports of damage caused to the protected land.

Patrols are being stepped up to halt a rise in cases of the landscape – which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - being ripped up by quad bikes and cars, as well as incidents of fly-tipping.

Some of the damage caused at Hartlebury Common (Image: West Mercia Police)

Police met Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council representatives at the site to assess the damage and continue with joint efforts to protect it.

Police Sergeant Cathy Atkinson said: “We have reviewed the damage caused to the site, caused by off road bikes and 4x4 vehicles, as well as the fly tipping and discussions were held about protecting the land, working together with support from partners.

“Further visits and patrols will be conducted, and we are warning members of the public that if anyone is witnessed causing damage to the land, then they can be fined by the council.

“Anyone caught driving on the land will be dealt with by police for traffic offences. Vehicles may also be seized.”

Partners at the county and district councils gave officers an update on their work around fly-tipping on the Common.

They are also reviewing how security in the area can be improved and to help prevent future incidents and identify offenders.

Police will continue meetings with partners about the damage caused to Hartlebury Common in the coming weeks and months.

Anyone who witnesses anyone driving off-roaders or road vehicles on the site is encouraged to report it to police via 101.

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