At a recent HCERA Committee meeting, it was reported that the gate beside St George’s School, leading to the fields, had been found locked. As far as anyone could remember, this was unprecedented. A visit confirmed the facts and upon the gate is a notice “Police Notice: Gate closed due motorbike nuisance. All queries to Portswood Police Station.”
Needless to say, this way of dealing with the nuisance from motorbikes and mini motos as part of Operation Convergence has caused a lot of anger. Sergeant Hannam can little appreciate what damage he has done. Malcolm Price of Leaside Way wrote to Mr Musk, the College Manager of St George’s. He confirmed that the gate had been closed due to nuisance from motorbikes on the instruction of the police. He said that the gate would be open as of September from 5.30pm until 10pm on weekdays. Mr Price wrote back immediately, to protest that this is ridiculous. What about enjoyment during the summer months and at weekends. It is no good for an early morning jog, or for the man who walks his dog at 5.30 in the morning, before going to work.