Critics are going hell for leather against the proposals to relocate the facility next to Norwich Market, which has served as a destination for motorbike riders for decades.

Norwich City Council is currently considering what changes can be made to the facility as part of a wider revamp of the market area.

A busy day at Norwich's market bike park (Image: Owen Sennitt)

It said respondents to a survey about the site revealed there were "tensions" over its current use as a bike park, with people complaining about noise and antisocial behaviour.

But the claims have revved up frustrations among the biker community, who worry their weekend trips to the city for a meet with fellow enthusiasts for a portion of chips from the market could be under threat.

They also say the council has not spoken to many bikers about the potential move and have called the consultation about the changes "flawed".

The busy Norwich Market in front of City Hall. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Anna Wright, who started the petition, said: "The Norwich motorbike park is not just a parking space, it is a vital part of the city infrastructure that supports local commuters, shop owners, and businesses.

"It facilitates convenient access for riders who contribute significantly to the local economy.

"Removing or altering this facility could lead to financial loss for businesses that benefit from the ease of access it provides to riders."

For the bikers, the parking area doesn't just serve as a convenient place to leave their pride and joy.

It also has "cultural and historical significance" after being used for decades as a hub for riders in the county.

Ms Wright added: "We urge Norwich City Council to recognise the substantial impact this change will have on our community and to immediately halt any plans to alter the motorbike park.

"Instead, a more inclusive and transparent consultation process should be conducted, ensuring that all stakeholders, particularly the regular users of the facility, have their voices heard and considered in the decision-making process."

A busy day at Norwich's market bike park (Image: Owen Sennitt)

City Hall is still developing its plans for the multi-million-pound regeneration of the market area.

Designs have been revealed for the site, which will remove some stalls from the centre aisle to create a sheltered dining area.

Another idea was to create more seating where the bike park is currently, if it is relocated.

Nigel Cooper, 64, has been coming to the bike park since the 70s (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Speaking to bikers in the city, it is clear any potential change to the park will be fiercely opposed.

Nigel Cooper, 64, who had popped in to the city from Eaton, said: "It is the end of winter but there about 50 bikes here, all people spending money at the market. I have been coming here since 1977.

"There will be some people with noisy exhausts but 99pc of us are well behaved and come here to socialise."

Ben Cook, 21 (Image: Owen Sennitt)

James Carrigan, 69, from Norwich, said: "I've used it since the 70s. It feels safe here as it is near the police station rather than somewhere more isolated."

James Dodd, 48, and Mike Grimmer, 51, have travelled from King's Lynn to the city.

Mr Grimmer said: "Everyone comes here for a chat. If you move it, it will just be a car park. It will put bikers off from coming.

Mr Dodd added: "It would be a real shame if it is moved. It has always been here and is in the perfect place near the market grub."

Bikers warn they may not come into the city if the bike park is relocated away from its central position. From left to right: James Dodd, Mike Grimmer, James Carrigan. (Image: Owen Sennitt)

He added that mods and rockers, who were famously enemies, get on today. But he warned Harley-Davidson riders can still be "obnoxious".

Rick Stephenson, 57, and Linda Jacobs, 48, had travelled from Thetford.

Rick Stephenson, 57 and Linda Jacobs, 48, travelled from Thetford to the city (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Mr Stephenson said: "I've been using it since the mid-80s, I have never seen any trouble there. It has got lots of history to it. A lot of the original bikers still come here, as well as their sons and grandchildren. It would be a shame if it moved. It is as much a part of Norwich as the market."

Norwich City Council has been approached for comment.

A screenshot from a 1985 BBC documentary about Norfolk's outlaw biker gang, the Outcasts (Image: BBC)

NORFOLK'S BIKER GANGS

Fortunately for City Hall, renegade biker gangs of the past are no longer roaming the roads looking for trouble. But that wasn't always the case.

With its many miles of flat coastal roads, Norfolk has long drawn motorbike enthusiasts to the county.

A screenshot from a 1985 BBC documentary about Norfolk's outlaw biker gang, the Outcasts (Image: BBC)

In the 1950s and 1960s, towns like Great Yarmouth and Cromer became battlegrounds for the rival mods and rockers, leading to clashes at the seaside.

America's outlaw biker gangs also began making a presence in the UK, with chapters of the Hells Angels and other groups popping up across the country.

In Norfolk, a smaller rival gang called the Outcasts became well-established in the Yarmouth area.

A screenshot from a 1985 BBC documentary about Norfolk's outlaw biker gang, the Outcasts (Image: BBC)

The group went on to feature in a BBC documentary, which offers a fascinating snapshot of Norfolk's biker gangs.

It detailed their day-to-day lives as they roared into the county's towns and villages from their base at an abandoned RAF radar bunker in Hopton.

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