Fury as South Norfolk Council flattens Poringland bike trail

Locals have expressed fury after South Norfolk Council sent in diggers to level out the ground in Poringland Wood over environmental and safety concerns. 

The authority has issued a notice to discourage people from rebuilding the trail, which consisted of several mounds of dirt for people to ride their bikes across. 

Steven Morgan, whose son lives in the village, said: "The council are a bunch of fun sponges - the kids had done a great job building a few little jumps and this is an absolute disgrace. 

"They kept it nice and tidy and encouraged other smaller kids to join in too. It was a good little community."

The notice issued by South Norfolk Council (Image: Steven Morgan)

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The track has been in use for more than a year but has now been flattened by South Norfolk Council, which leases the site. 

Steven Morgan with his son (Image: Steven Morgan)

The authority said: "There is a growing problem of unauthorised bike trails being created within this woodland. Building these without the landowner's consent is illegal. 

"The creation of these trails is causing damage to this valuable natural habitat. The digging up of the woodland floor is especially damaging to trees.

"The woodland owners have expressed concern at the current condition of this area and if this situation continues then public access may be removed.

"Please be assured that any action we take is because of safety and environmental concerns."

The decision has led to backlash from locals who have called it "absolutely ridiculous" and taken to social media to demand that the council "let kids be kids", pledging to rebuild the trail despite the warning notice.