A PROJECT to boost cycling in Kirklees has been left in disarray after thieves stole all its bikes.

Raiders broke into a storage area at Spen Valley Pool and stole 12 children’s bikes, including two specially adapted for the disabled.

The fleet of bicycles belonged to the Streetbikes project, which revamps old bikes for cycling workshops across Kirklees.

The bikes are usually stored at locations around the region but had been assembled at the Liversedge pool last Wednesday for a Streetbikes open day last Monday.

But just a few hours later the bikes were all swiped when raiders broke into the pool’s storage unit on Wednesday evening.

Streetbikes organiser, Gill Greaves, said about £5,000 worth of bikes had been taken but said it was the disabled bikes, worth £1,700 each, that they were most upset about.

Gill said one of the two disabled bikes was of special sentimental value as it had been donated by the family of a man who had since passed away.

The man had used the valuable hand cycle for a coast-to-coast ride shortly before he had died.

Gill said: “They were emotionally attached to it and we said we’d look after it.

“It was given to be used by other disabled people and now it’s gone.

“It’s not worth that much to anyone else, unless they’ve got a problem with their legs, so we would like it back.”

Gill said the raid had left them scrambling to hold their open day event and meant they now faced a shortage of bikes.

She added: “We recycle bikes to give away but we keep the best ones for the cycling projects as they are used by hundreds of children.

“Some of our very best bikes are gone and it’s infuriating.

“I would like to put out an appeal for anyone with a bike they would like to donate to give me a ring.”

Colne Valley MP, Jason McCartney, a keen cyclist himself, visited the project as it trained youngsters at Colne Valley High School last summer.

He dubbed the thieves “scumbags” on Twitter.

He said: “It’s a massive blow for them, particularly because two were specially adapted.

“They want to get them back as they’re not easy to replace.

“I’m appalled, it’s a fantastic project for local kids that encourages them to do more cycling and teaches them mechanic skills.

“It’s very cowardly and I would appeal for them to be returned.”

Police have already tipped off local bike shops to look out for the stolen goods.

Spen police inspector, Tim Holland said: “This is a despicable act and we want the bikes returned to the children and disabled people who rely on them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Tracy Boucher on 01924 206357 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 anonymously.