Newark police and local organisations install bollards at Sustrans cycle track to avoid serious or fatal incidents

Newark police officers have worked alongside local organisations to install concrete bollards at the entrance of a cycle track.

Officers from the Magnus and Devon beat team, and representatives from Platform Housing, VIA East Midlands and the Sustrans charity, have implemented the bollards following concerns that people were trying to gain access to the Sustrans with cars or large vehicles.

Officers said these incidents could have had serious or fatal consequences.

These bollards, at the access at Esther Varney Place, were implemented in March.

The Sustrans cycle track is extremely popular with the residents of Newark, particularly young families and children, as well as being incredibly rich with birds and other wildlife.

It is hoped the bollards will protect both the residents and wildlife from any tragic incidents caused by cars or other large vehicles on the cycle track.

The bollards have been carefully positioned so that cars or large vehicles are prevented from gaining access to the track, without restricting access for those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Maintenance vehicles can still gain access to the track via other, authorised access points.

Newark Police said it was still aware that off-road bikes and e-scooters would still be able to gain access, and that anyone who witnesses this should report it to the police.

"Newark officers regularly conduct both high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols along the cycle track and surrounding areas in order to tackle such behaviour, any information you can provide is extremely helpful in ensuring these operations are successful," wrote Newark Police on Facebook.