SINCE the
Bwlch motocross project was set up, there has been a dramatic fall in the number of complaints to police about young people riding around the area, damaging land and putting themselves and others at risk.
It is 12 months of progress which was recognised by the selection of the scheme as a shortlisted finalist for the
Youth Work Wales Excellence Awards 2011.The awards recognise examples of outstanding work with young people across the country.
The Bwlch scheme, devised by bike enthusiast Huw Thomas, has captured the imagination of scores of youngsters.
It provides them with a safe environment in which to learn how to ride motorbikes properly, while also gaining qualifications in motor mechanics.
Mr Thomas, a senior youth worker, said: "It's going really strong. We are delivering accreditation on a weekly basis for different groups.
"We have school-based youth workers in every secondary school in Llanelli who are bringing kids to Bwlch, and they are learning mechanics and off-road riding, as well as maintenance issues, like ensuring their bike is safe, how to change the oil and adjust the chains.
"It's such a popular activity. We are looking to see if we can secure funding to get some more motorbikes, that's my goal."
The project deals with a group of up to 14-16 young people at a time.
"Currently we are having to take them to
Cardiff as there's not a track locally," said Mr Thomas.
"We do start-stop sessions outside our field here and we take them off-road riding to approved sites in Cardiff and Mountain Ash.
The youngsters who benefit from the project often have their own problems and need a positive outlet to progress as people.
Huw said: "We have a mixture of young people — some are lacking confidence, some of them are over-confident — and this brings everyone to an excellent level. Those who need to have their confidence boosted, it brings them up and everyone achieves. And those who are cocky, it brings them down and they have more respect.
"Anyone can twist a throttle and go hell for leather — it's not all about that.
"It's a skill, you have to get the approach right and the speed comes afterwards.
"Everything is done solidly. It's all about technique, not about racing."
Mr Thomas said of the youths using the scheme: "A lot of them haven't got the opportunities. Many of the young people we work with are disadvantaged and don't have the parental support they should have. They don't have the chances other youngsters have."
Champion rider Dan Evans, 20, works there when not out on the track. He spends around four days a week teaching youngsters how to ride and maintain their bikes properly.
Dan, who rides a Husqvarna 250 in competition, said: "I wish I had something like this growing up.
"Motocross is a great sport, and to be able to offer young people an alternative sport is fantastic.
"Motocross can be potentially dangerous, so it is important we can offer safe, supervised surroundings with experienced instructors.
"It's brilliant working with youngsters and teaching them. They are all interested.
"A lot of them are Neets (not in education, education or training) and on the verge of being kicked out of school.
"If they can't learn in the classroom, they learn here.
"We just see if their behaviour improves.
"Some we don't see again, and it works."
Youth worker Julian Lemon added: "Motocross is hugely popular, but we recognised there was a problem with young people riding illegally and we wanted to do something to change this.
"Riding a motocross bike is relatively easy, but riding one properly takes a lot of skill. We wanted to provide a safe environment in which young people could learn how to use their equipment effectively."
