Robyn Rosen YOUTHS at a Hornsey estate which has been plagued by hoodies speeding around on mopeds are being given free motorcycle training and a potential job delivering pizzas. The aim of the scheme is to cut anti-social behaviour in Hornsey and prev

Robyn Rosen

YOUTHS at a Hornsey estate which has been plagued by "hoodies" speeding around on mopeds are being given free motorcycle training and a potential job delivering pizzas.

The aim of the scheme is to cut anti-social behaviour in Hornsey and prevent casualties on the estate.

On Monday (February 16), 10 teenagers from the Campsbourne Estate began a scooter safety course, as part of a scheme organised by the council, police and pizza delivery service, Domino's Pizza.

The Pedsafe Project, part of Haringey's Safer Communities Partnership, includes training by qualified police motorcyclists and a separate workshop on the Highway Code.

Domino's Pizza provided lunches for the project and confirmed that, pending successful interviews, four to six of the scheme's graduates will have new jobs delivering pizzas at the Holloway Road and Crouch End branches.

The scheme also aims to reduce casualties by educating young people on safety issues, after a 15-year-old boy died in Boyton Road after colliding into railings in September 2006.

Today (Thursday), the participants will take their CBT (compulsory basic training) which must be completed before a learner rider is allowed to ride on the road with L-plates.

Akin Akintola, co-ordinator at Haringey's youth services and organiser of the scheme, said: "The police told us that many of the kids were riding their mopeds unsafely with no CBT or insurance.

"The course stops anti-social behaviour and injuries. You plant a seed in someone's head and the next time they get on a bike they will think twice.

"We've seen the success of this and there are still some young people who can benefit."

He added that he hoped the scheme could get further funding and be repeated in a few months.

Theo Nash, 20, of Boyton Road took part in the course so that he could gain his CBT. "I wanted to learn about riding safely and legally," he said.

"The theory course put me off driving dangerously because of the graphic pictures and injuries they showed."

Channing Hart, 18, added: "It's free and now I can ride a bike legally. I knew about some of it before but didn't know about the L plates."

Ajaz Marza, operations director at Domino's said: "There is a problem with youth crime in the area.

"When young people are not kept busy, they cause problems for the community.

"This will help them set a goal, stay off the streets and gives them the opportunity to achieve."

Cllr Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for enforcement and safer communities, said: "The project addresses the need to tackle current problems with the way mopeds and scooters are being ridden on the Campsbourne Estate, a problem constantly reported by residents.

"It is essential that young people learn to respect their mopeds and learn to ride safely with confidence and with respect to pedestrians and neighbours.