PARENTS have been urged to make sure they know where their children are after concerns about quad bike use in a Flintshire community.

The North Wales Police North Flintshire team released a statement over the weekend about the vehicles, after multiple reports of the vehicles being ridden around Holway.

PCSO James King said: "The riders are believed to be children and are riding without helmets and the quad itself has no license plate. 

"This poses a safety concern for not only the riders but local residents as well."

Holywell West Councillor Paul Johnson told the Leader: "There has been an ongoing issue with the quad bikes and I am very pleased that the police are taking it seriously and raising awareness of the dangers of it.

"There are dangers on many levels including a whole number of severe injuries that can happen to people riding quadbikes - you should only be using one of these if you're licences and have proper safety equipment.

"And there certainly is a danger to the public as well.

"In Holway, there are older and younger people on the roads who should feel safe."

Cllr Johnson said efforts have been made in recent years to make areas such as the playing field safer, including by way of new gates to prevent access to vehicles.

But, he said: "The problem is that if someone's determined they are going to do it, they are going to do it.

"And the other difficulty is that even if you've called the police - as soon as you put the phone down, the riders have moved on.

"I would ask people to keep the police aware so that they know when these riders are spotted and where.

"And many, many of the parents in this community are very responsible and are very clear with their kids about the dangers of things like quadbikes.

"But I was encourage them to keep going with that message and make sure they know where their children are.

"It's about everyone pulling together to address these issues."

PCSO King added: "We kindly request your assistance in identifying these individuals and gathering information about their activities.

"We have reviewed CCTV in the area but unfortunately this doesn't capture any footage of the quad.

"If you witness any quad bike incidents or off road bikes, please take note of the following: Date and times, description of the quad bikes (colour, make, any distinguishing features), description of the riders, any information about their behaviour or direction of travel.

"If its safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the quad bike riders. 

"This can be extremely valuable in identifying them. Report on 999 for emergencies and for non-emergencies contact 101

"Let's work together to ensure that our neighbourhood remains a secure and peaceful place to live."