Wet-bikes

Press, 26 January 1988, Page 12

Wet-bikes

Sir, —I was recently in Sumner for a holiday to visit relatives after an absence of 17 years. I was staying on Flowers Track, up Scarborough Hill. I was pleased to see that most changes that have taken place have been for the good of the residents and have not altered the character of the village and general area. However, I was most disturbed by the presence of riders on the jet ski wet-bikes in the Sumner Bay adjacent to the lifeboat shed. These people appeared to have little regard for the swimmers and surfers nearby. They rode their jet skis at high speed through the surfers and wave-skiers, often coming perilously close to running over them. In situations like this, when other surf users are often hidden by the high swell, accidents seem inevitable. The noise pollution from these machines is not inconsiderable, either. The surrounding hills only accentuate the headache-inducing noise. I

trust that the council will take immediate steps to see that this problem is dealt with and policed so that Sumner remains the charming, unique place it is.—Yours, etc.,

(Ms) L. McCULLOCH. January 17, 1988.