North Kesteven District Council lifts Metheringham Airfield ‘boy racers’ ban

Senior councillors on the authority’s executive voted to remove the public space protection order after complaints had “reduced significantly”.

The ban was put in place in October 2016 for three years after residents complained of reckless driving and gatherings at the former RAF airfield.

As many as 100 cars were reported on the airfield at one time. In addition, there were reports of off-road bikes using the area as a practice site.

The order banned motor vehicle gatherings, speeding or racing, obstruction of the highway as well as racing, stunts and causing undue annoyance from amplified music.

Now, council officials have said its anti-social behaviour team have not received a single complaint about the site since March 2018.

The authority said there was “no evidence” to support extending the ban and that existing powers could be used if any complaints are made about the airfield.

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Police said no breaches of the order have been found during routine patrols.

North Kesteven District Council leader, Richard Wright, said the ban had served its purpose and that the authority was right to introduce it.

“I believe we are doing the right thing,” he said.

“There have been criticisms of local authorities about introducing public space protection orders for the wrong reasons.

“But I believe we are doing the right thing and we have by-laws which can deal with any more complaints.”

Coun Ray Cucksey, member of the executive board, added that the ban had “worked well” and that it was the right time to lift the order.

Meanwhile, council chief executive, Ian Fytche, reassured councillors that the order would be brought back before the executive should anti-social behaviour increase again.