Town benefits from grateful bikers (From Gazette & Herald)

Town benefits from grateful bikers

MOTORCYCLING enthusiasts have presented a £500 cheque to help the running costs of Helmsley's swimming pool.

The handout resulted from the motorcycle group's recent big event at Duncombe Park, when 7,500 riders from all parts of the country took part in what has become a regular feature in the group's calendar, said organiser Peter Walker, of Beverley.

He said the group, which has had a long association with the market town, had an agreement with Ryedale District Council under which it gives the motorcyclists a parking amnesty in return for a donation to a local good cause.

"In the past, we have helped fund wheelchair accesses and Christmas decorations, and last year we helped fund the Queen's jubilee celebrations in the area," said Mr Walker. "We know we cause some congestion in Helmsley because of our numbers but there's never any disorder. We see our gifts to charity as a way of saying thank you to Helmsley and its people."

He added that members of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) worked closely with the police and Environment Agency and with British and European MPs on motorcycling.

"We feel it is better for them to educate the public rather than legislate," he said.

Coun Ken Claridge, chairman of Helmsley Town Council, said: "The motorcyclists are an asset to Helmsley's economy because they spend money in the shops, restaurants, and pubs."

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, July 30, 2003