A PROJECT to teach children about motorbikes has “broken down” barriers between the pupils and police, it was claimed last night.

That’s the view of Perth police who have been running the 10-week programme in collaboration with Perth and Kinross Council and Perth Grammar School for eight “problem” children aged 11-13.

The pupils have been taught a range of issues affecting motorbikes—such as the law and mechanical solutions—and it has been deemed an overwhelming success.

PC Julie Robertson of western division’s road policing unit yesterday explained the idea behind the course.

“This project has broken down barriers that previously existed with these children,” she said.

“The children had problems at school, and this course was designed to give them something to focus on and make them responsible citizens.”

She continued, “Perth Grammar School have been great, and have bought two mini-motos and some of the equipment—like gloves.

“Our job was to encourage the children and show them how to be responsible rather than being disruptive.”

PC Robertson believes the children have taken the project to heart, with positive results.

“There was significant improvement in their behaviour, and they were turning up for classes at school,” she said.

“The police role was basically to provide the legal side of it and to instruct them not to be anti-social when they eventually get a motorbike.

“A lot of the children had an interest in the mechanical side of motorbikes and this has proved to be a popular part of the course—but we also taught them of the safety aspect of riding motorbikes and to consider other people in their community when out on bikes.

“I have received extremely positive feedback from the grammar school, and Pete Nicol—the council’s community link worker.

“I have no doubt that the police should continue our input regarding this project, and that the school will wish to run further courses next year.”

A spokesperson for Perth Grammar School said, “The course is now part of the school’s ‘excellence’ curriculum, and is to be a rolling programme.

“We are delighted with it, and also the roles played by the police and council.”