THE Friends of Alkincoats Park will be asked to apply for funding for improvements as part of the plans to prevent unauthorised motorcycling in the area and to repair the damage that has been done.

Members of the Colne and District Committee were told the group did not have sufficient funds themselves to make improvements so it was agreed they should be asked to apply for extra funding.

The options of putting up fencing and gates at the main entrance at Holt House and Alkincoats Park will be discussed with the group and if they approve it, it will then go to public consultation.

Members gave the go-ahead to plans to install signs at various locations on the site, which will be agreed with the Friends of Alkincoats Park, and the funding will be made available from the existing Revenue Budgets of the parks and cemeteries manager.

The installation of two horse-styles will be referred to the Countryside Access Officer Tom Partridge.

Colin Patten, service manager parks, said in report to the committee: "Owing to the relatively large expanse of land involved it has proved difficult to catch these people when riding bikes. Therefore the best solution at this stage would be to make it as difficult as possible for the motor cyclists to gain access to the facilities."