Bike show axed after police fears

The three day event was to take place at the Mona show ground

Motorcyclists are "flabbergasted" after a bike show was cancelled on police advice.

North Wales Police said they were worried about potential trouble involving rival gangs at the Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show.

Organisers of the bank holiday weekend event insisted they arrange "safe, fun-packed family events."

But police said they had "no choice" but to advise cancellation in order to prevent "crime and disorder".

A spokesman for the Welsh Motorcycle Shows Ltd said: "If this can happen to us, no event will be safe next year."

Llandudno businessman Arthur Roberts, of pressure group People for Proper Policing, claimed the force's reason for stopping the bike show which was planned to take place between 22 - 25 August was "vindictive claptrap."

"There's a car show and country fair at the weekend. What if someone rings up anonymously and says the car show people are going to attack the country fair?" Mr Roberts added.

"Motorcyclists are flabbergasted by what's happened. If there is a problem, if the police intelligence is so well-founded, why can't they do something about it?

"When will they start policing and show the general public they are in charge of law and order?"

A North Wales Police spokesman said the force had been monitoring the "intelligence picture" in respect of risk to public safety.

"Up until very recently we were satisfied that, through working closely with the organiser and showground committee, appropriate control measures could be put in place to mitigate the threat - this position has now changed.

"Further information has been received, and our assessment, following consultation with key stakeholders, is that the risk of disorder has increased, and we are no longer confident that the safety of the public can be maintained.

"As a consequence, the recommendation to cancel has been forwarded to the showground committee.

"This decision was not taken lightly, and we realise that this will be a disappointment to the attendees - the vast majority of whom are law abiding people who wanted to enjoy a peaceful event,

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to them but, our paramount intention is to prevent crime and disorder and to maintain public safety," he added.

The annual Welsh National Motorcycle Show was also cancelled by Dyfed Powys Police amid fears of violence between rival biker gangs.

It was to have taken place at the Royal Welsh showground in Llanelwedd between 23 and 26 May.

Plans to stage a bike show in Denbighshire in August have police backing, its organisers have claimed.

Last month, the annual Welsh National Motorcycle show at Builth Wells was cancelled because of police concerns about violence between rival bikers.

But David Green, who is organising the two day show at Llangollen, says his venture has the backing of North Wales Police and will promote safe riding.

The show will have an emphasis on trade stands, he added.

Steve Bennett, the organiser of the Welsh National Motorcycle Show, which had been due to take place between 23 - 26 May on the Royal Welsh showground in Powys, has said he might take legal action over the cancellation.

It would be against the Royal Welsh Showground Committee which called off the event after meetings with the police.

Mr Green said his event on 2 and 3 August would be daytime only and would not offer any camping facilities.

"The police are with us on this event," he said.

"It will be more like the motorcycle show at the NEC in Birmingham with a big emphasis on trade stands."