In late 2020, Bathurst Regional Council began its discussions of a potential scooter and skateboard ban for parts of the central business district.

It followed concerns being raised in the community about the inappropriate, and sometimes dangerous, ways the devices were being used in the centre of town.

Children were the main culprits.

Some councillors were eager to support an initiative to prohibit their use, while others thought an outright ban should be the last resort.

"It is the last resort, because we want to encourage people to exercise," councillor Jacquie Rudge said in December.

READ MORE: Banning scooters should be 'last resort', Rudge says

Council later decided the best course of action would be to implement a diversionary strategy or program to target behavioural issues relating to the misuse of the devices, and to hold further discussions with key stakeholders.

A report was to be written following this.

That report has now been prepared for the the next council meeting, on Wednesday night, and provides an update on the situation.

Director of Cultural and Community Services, Alan Cattermole, noted the apparent success of a diversionary program in the community.

"Chifley Police District reported a decline in inappropriate scooter and skateboard use within the CBD over recent months. This is attributed to a successful diversionary program facilitated by PCYC, Chifley Police District and Armada Bathurst," he said.

"Following the successful diversionary program, mentoring assistance will continue to be provided by youth though existing programs targeting disengaged youth.

"These programs include, but are not limited to, those currently operating regularly at the basketball stadium, Bathurst skatepark and Kelso Community Hub, which are facilitated by the Bathurst Seventh-Day Adventist Church."

Council met with relevant stakeholders in March and May to discuss the development of a multi-faceted intervention and educational program.

In addition to the diversionary program, they agreed to increasing education in schools through the polices existing programs, and providing a presentation to businesses to help business owners manage the issue of scooter and skateboard use.

Lockable scooter storage was also considered, with options for types of lockable storage to be investigated.

Mr Cattermole said that another meeting will be held with stakeholders in three to four months' time to review the progress of the outcomes.

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