ANOTHER peaceful protest has been held by motorcyclists and scooter riders over a traffic order which they argue will end a decades-old tradition of meeting up on a section of The Groves in Chester.

Up to 300 are reported to have met up on Sunday afternoon (September 6) to make their feelings known.

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed in July that the traffic order which prohibits waiting any time on both sides of The Groves would come into effect last month after it received complaints.

The authority says it is illegal to travel on the stretch of road leading to the city's suspension bridge and "unfortunately many drivers have ignored this".

An online petition, so far backed by more than 1,800 people, had been launched in a bid to overturn the traffic order which it argues will prevent the "tradition" of motorcycle and scooter riders meeting up.

One biker who was at the latest protest on Sunday told The Standard: "Three hundred motorcycle and scooter riders held a protest at The Groves to highlight their anger with Cheshire West and Chester Council on the lack of parking spaces for bikes."

Mark Andrews, who set up the online petition, says bikers have been gathering on the stretch between the cafe and the suspension bridge for decades.

The petition states: "Motorcycles and scooters have parked at The Groves since the 1950s. It has become a tradition enjoyed by Cestrians and tourists alike.

"Many of these riders are involved in local charities including the North West Air Ambulance, Easter egg runs to the Countess hospital and Teenage Cancer Trust and use the river site to meet, network and organise events."

Speaking in July, Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said last week: "It is illegal to drive along the section of The Groves towards the Suspension Bridge, unfortunately many drivers have ignored this leading to complaints.

"Following discussions with local Members, Police and Parking services a permanent Traffic Regulation Order has been advertised with no objections.

"It was agreed that waiting restrictions will be added along this length of road and changes will be made to some of the existing limited waiting bays to be for motorcycles only on weekends and bank holidays to make provision for them to park.

"These changes will be put in place next month."