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On Tuesday 29th June 2010, a presentation of awards will take place for young people who have completed a 12 week accredited motor mechanics programme aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour in Houghton Regis – illegal riding that causes nuisance within the local community. 
  
The Houghton Regis Moto X Club (HRM-X) is one of the latest initiatives by KWS Educational Services and the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust to reduce off-road bikes being ridden on pavements and parked illegally in Houghton Regis.

It was started by PCs Darren Bambury and Simon Death in direct response to complaints to the Police about nuisance youths riding off road in the area. Darren and Simon met with local young people who were desperate to enjoy their hobby legally and safely. 

Together with the young people, a club was formed and funding accessed from various sources to make the project a reality. Central Bedfordshire Council’s Youth service have assisted with funding and have held meetings with HRM-X during the project.

Training and support was provided by KWS Educational Services, a training company in Luton and Bedford who specialise in working with young people from 12 years old onwards who are at risk of exclusion or disengaged from mainstream education.

PC Darren Bambury said: “Dealing with anti-social motor-cross can be dangerous and we often have to call in the police Helicopter and other units to pursue them. The HRM-X project enables young riders to ride their bikes and not cause problems for others.”

PC Simon Death added: “We started the project in February 2010 working in partnership with KWS training young people in basic motor mechanics and safe track riding and this was completed early in June 2010.  Nine of the twelve young people who started with KWS have completed the course and will receive AQA certificates, which will help them in the future. They have also gone onto educate others in their local area about riding responsibly in the town.”

KWS was also impressed by the commitment shown by the group and has subsequently, employed one young person as a support worker to ‘mentor’ other young people.

Andy Wesley of Bedfordshire Police Partnership said: “This project has helped young people understand how to ride responsibly and has consdierably reduced motorcycle and vehicle nuisance in Houghton Regis since February.

 “It also saves money. Those taking part say they’ve been chased by the helicopter up to 30 times; making sure they ride responsibly with mean this won’t have to happen again,”

The Houghton Regis Moto X Club has been funded by the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust and Central Bedfordshire Council and KWS Educational Services who provided facilities and staffing for the project.