Manchester Road Jumps

Mitchells · 09-04-2008, 21:23

I am a keen downhill Mountain biker of 7 years and now have several sponsors, on sunday i was at the Mud jumps on manchester road, just after the entrance to caligen foam, when i was approaced by two guards from the ajacent factory who sternly told me to leave.

I did as they said but was later told that the land has been disused for a number of years and is owned by the county council.

I have ridden there for many years and this is the first time i have been asked to leave, who actually owns the land, as i believe and the police have told me i have commited no offence.

emzy · 10-04-2008, 08:04

The library shoul have the information on who owns the land etc but I wouldnt have thought that the security guards of a nearby factory would have the authority to "Move you on" if they were not security on that land also

***Mr D*** · 10-04-2008, 08:33

If its not fenced off, or there are no signs saying "Private Property" tell them to go away and phone the police, and carry on enjoying your ride.

entwisi · 10-04-2008, 11:57

I reckon its common land, its not been fenced off in years and IIRC if its open to public access for > 7 years you can't then stop people going on it

I must say, if you are one of the lads that made all them jumps you did a cracking job. If I wasn't old and fragile I'd love a do on them.

slinky · 10-04-2008, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

I must say, if you are one of the lads that made all them jumps you did a cracking job. If I wasn't old and fragile I'd love a do on them.

Haha give me a shout ian if ya ever change your mind!! I'd love to see that

MargaretR · 10-04-2008, 13:56

Be careful to make sure you are allowed there. Police seem to be having a clampdown.
A neighbour told me that a few days ago a bike was seized and crushed by the police, because it was being used on Heys playing field (owned by LCC)

Neil · 10-04-2008, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Be careful to make sure you are allowed there. Police seem to be having a clampdown.
A neighbour told me that a few days ago a bike was seized and crushed by the police, because it was being used on Heys playing field (owned by LCC)

You were told almost correctly, they warn you the first time they catch you. If they catch you a second time then they take the bike, motorbike, car 4X4 or whatever from you.

pipinfort · 10-04-2008, 14:06

These jumps sound great, i must investigate.

SamF · 10-04-2008, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipinfort

These jumps sound great, i must investigate.

Those were pretty much the exact same words of a lad who I went to school with a few years ago... next day he came in broken collar bone

pipinfort · 10-04-2008, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamF

Those were pretty much the exact same words of a lad who I went to school with a few years ago... next day he came in broken collar bone

LOL ..............

Mitchells · 12-04-2008, 09:51

Thanks, a few of us where up at the jmps yesterday when the security guards once again asked us to leave. This time we refused to go and they got the police and an official from the engineering directorate of Lancashire County council.

We were told we had broken the law by building the jumps and that the council could if they wanted to take legal action, even though they have no proof that it was us who made them.

We contacted The mountain bike association, Lancashire DH forum and The British Cycling Federation and have recieved offers by three major sponsors who said they are willing to contribute towards buying the land of the council in return for advertising by way of track banners.

These sponsors which include Kona, Giant and Crank brothers are now in talks with the county council.

Thanks for your replys.

***Mr D*** · 12-04-2008, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchells

Thanks, a few of us where up at the jmps yesterday when the security guards once again asked us to leave. This time we refused to go and they got the police and an official from the engineering directorate of Lancashire County council.

We were told we had broken the law by building the jumps and that the council could if they wanted to take legal action, even though they have no proof that it was us who made them.

Flippen Heck Council sent some one straight away.

Legal Action they would get laughed at, No proof who built the jumps nothing they can do apart from destroy them.

WillowTheWhisp · 12-04-2008, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchells

We contacted The mountain bike association, Lancashire DH forum and The British Cycling Federation and have recieved offers by three major sponsors who said they are willing to contribute towards buying the land of the council in return for advertising by way of track banners.

These sponsors which include Kona, Giant and Crank brothers are now in talks with the county council.

Good luck with that. I hope you get all the backing you need.

Mitchells · 15-04-2008, 21:21

Just a quick update Lancashire county council have now told the British Cycling federation that the Jumps cannot be bought by the willing sponsors because of disputes regarding who actually owns the land, after initially stating the council owned it outright.

One of the three sponsors has dropped there backing because of the dispute whilst the Lancashire DH forum are trying to find the owner, could anybody on here shed any light on the situation ?

maccawozzagod · 15-04-2008, 23:06

the jumps have been there for years! I reckon probably 15 as I seem to remember thinking I'd love to skateboard on them if someone would concrete over 'em!

whoever your sponsors are should consider some sort of legal precedent case for the money they would have spent buying the land as I (no experience of it though) reckon you'd have some sort of squatters rights over the land! The sponsor would get far more advertising out of a legal battle than they would over a handful of banners that will only be seen or noticed by the type of people who would buy their products anyway.

good luck