Jake
January 23rd, 2004, 04:11 PM
MAYOR David Vendy bid farewell to the Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club yesterday with the message: "Don't come back".
The Gypsy Jokers yesterday ended its three-day stay in Ballarat as part of its annual national run.
While backing the police's low-key approach, Cr Vendy said he would not be welcoming the bikers back next year.
"I'm pleased they've moved on. It is a difficult situation for the police when you have a large group of people challenging the law," he said.
"You can't be too heavy-handed as that would be a bit silly."
Chief Inspector Bob Barby also breathed a sign of relief yesterday as a convoy of about 150 bikers left the city shortly after 9am, believed to be heading to the south coast.
The bikers arrived unannounced on New Year's Eve before illegally setting up camp in Victoria Park.
Chief Inspector Barby was yesterday alerting his opposite number on the Surf Coast to the travel plans of the motorcycle club.
Chief Inspector Barby said he believed Ocean Grove was the group's next stop.
MOST pubs and clubs in Ballarat chose to stay closed on New Year's Day after some bikers' were involved in disturbances at 21 Arms and The George Hotel over the New Year.
Chief Inspector Barby credited good police liaison work for ensuring the bikers' stay passed off relatively trouble-free.
"We made contact with the club president from the beginning and laid out some ground rules and it is very important to make that initial contact," he said.
"From a policing point of view, I was very pleased by their behaviour and there were no major issues."
The bikers' took it upon themselves to gather together a number of council rubbish bins by their campsite despite no approval being granted by the council.
But used toilet paper and empty beer bottles were still visible in some parts of the park yesterday.
The Surf Coast Council yesterday extended the hand of friendship to its leather-clad visitors.
"We're used to seeing many visitors from all over the place," spokesman Jon Breedveld said.
"We wish everyone who visits our area an enjoyable experience while they're down here."
The Gypsy Jokers yesterday ended its three-day stay in Ballarat as part of its annual national run.
While backing the police's low-key approach, Cr Vendy said he would not be welcoming the bikers back next year.
"I'm pleased they've moved on. It is a difficult situation for the police when you have a large group of people challenging the law," he said.
"You can't be too heavy-handed as that would be a bit silly."
Chief Inspector Bob Barby also breathed a sign of relief yesterday as a convoy of about 150 bikers left the city shortly after 9am, believed to be heading to the south coast.
The bikers arrived unannounced on New Year's Eve before illegally setting up camp in Victoria Park.
Chief Inspector Barby was yesterday alerting his opposite number on the Surf Coast to the travel plans of the motorcycle club.
Chief Inspector Barby said he believed Ocean Grove was the group's next stop.
MOST pubs and clubs in Ballarat chose to stay closed on New Year's Day after some bikers' were involved in disturbances at 21 Arms and The George Hotel over the New Year.
Chief Inspector Barby credited good police liaison work for ensuring the bikers' stay passed off relatively trouble-free.
"We made contact with the club president from the beginning and laid out some ground rules and it is very important to make that initial contact," he said.
"From a policing point of view, I was very pleased by their behaviour and there were no major issues."
The bikers' took it upon themselves to gather together a number of council rubbish bins by their campsite despite no approval being granted by the council.
But used toilet paper and empty beer bottles were still visible in some parts of the park yesterday.
The Surf Coast Council yesterday extended the hand of friendship to its leather-clad visitors.
"We're used to seeing many visitors from all over the place," spokesman Jon Breedveld said.
"We wish everyone who visits our area an enjoyable experience while they're down here."