OFF road bikers have been causing mayhem on the grounds of a former school in Dumfries.
The now derelict site at Lochside – which once housed Maxwelltown High – has become a magnet for people riding noisy dirt bikes at all hours of the day and night.
Local residents are “significantly distressed” by the antisocial behaviour, according to local councillors.
The school buildings were demolished four years ago and the site was earmarked for a housing development two years ago, but nothing has materialised.
In recent months, the wire fence surrounding the site was cut open for bikers to get access.
This was reported to the police and council, and the fencing was replaced by giant concrete structures. However bikers are still gaining access and revving up chaos in the area.
North West Dumfries Councillor Paula Stevenson said: “This issue has been raised time and again with the council and the local police.
“The police service and community safety teams are completely stretched but have been visiting the area regularly to try and catch unwanted activity.
“And, when pushed, the council have attempted to prevent access to the site.
“With the Lochside Masterplan indicating no building on that site for a number of years, then the council must come up with a longer-term solution. Local residents should be able to enjoy their own homes.’
North West Dumfries Councillor Graham Bell added: “The council has let residents down in Lochside as this issue needs addressing asap.
“I am aware Police Scotland and the community safety team have done a lot to combat the issues.
“But waiting many years down the line to be built on is not good enough. Residents demand action, not empty promises.”
It is understood that cars with trailers have been driving the bikes to the area. Some residents are logging all incidents with the police.
Two years ago, a report was presented at the council’s education committee on potential options for this derelict site.
The ambitions were that the school campus site – which included the adjoining St Ninian’s Primary – would be transformed into an affordable housing development.
The schools were closed in August 2018 and, following a spate of vandalism, the demolition of the buildings was completed in 2021.
The 18.82 hectare piece of land is now vacant and has already been allocated for a housing development of up to 104 units with Dumfries and Galloway Council’s local development plan.
Council officers suggested in 2023 that the site could be packaged with surrounding land and be included in the Lochside regeneration project led by Wheatley Homes, delivering much-needed new housing.
Councillors later agreed it was surplus to the requirements and should progress through the disposal process as quickly as possible.
Two years on, no developments have taken place.
