Health

Pupils from schools across South Sefton have been shown how to have fun without dangerous scrambler bikes, thanks to Sefton Council and Merseyside Police.

Hundreds of schoolchildren from All Saints, Lander Road, The Grange, English Martyrs and Hatton Hill donned their gym kits and took part in an exhilarating inter-school sports day at Crosby Lakeside recently.

This is the second sports day by Sefton Council and Merseyside Police, designed to highlight the effects scrambler bikes have on local communities and how children can have tons of fun away from the dangerous bikes.

As well as learning about the vehicles, children took part in a host of activities including raft building, bush craft, archery, orienteering, teamwork and problem solving.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for Communities and Housing said: “This was a fantastic day out for all involved.

“Around 160 schoolchildren took part in the day and our partnership with Merseyside Police is working extremely well to highlight the dangers associated with scrambler bikes and how they can affect local communities.

“By getting involved in the campaign we hope all the young people have learned some valuable lessons and they have now been rewarded with a great day out using our amazing facilities at Crosby Lakeside.

“Next the schoolchildren will be taking part in a competition where they have been asked to make a 90 second video about the dangers of becoming involved in scrambler bike activity.

“The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Police Headquarters in December.”

Sefton Neighbourhood Inspector Ian Jones said: “Education and engagement is such an important part of the work we do alongside Sefton Council and our other partners. This inter-school sports day is a brilliant way for children to channel their energy and creativity in a positive way.

“During our yearly scrambler bike initiative, we not only want to show young people the serious dangers and nuisance that scrambler bikes cause across the community, but also encourage them to learn different activities, skills and pursuits.

“The enthusiasm we saw from everyone was great, and this autumn term will see them get involved in all sorts of competitions and activities.”