CONCERNS have been raised about a west Belfast shopping centre selling scrambler bikes not far from where a mother of three was killed in July.
SDLP councillor Brian Heading said he raised the matter with the Kennedy Centre earlier this week after being alerted by a constituent.
The pop-up shop opened up on Monday selling electric and petrol powered scrambler motorcycles and quads.
Mr Heading said he contacted the Kennedy Centre on Tuesday and was 'confident' they would address the matter.
Valerie Armstrong (35) from Poleglass died after being struck by a scrambler as she walked her dog in the Colin Glen Park.
The west Belfast councillor said: "They (constituents) said they thought it was ridiculous - and insensitive - that these scramblers were being sold given the incident which had taken place over the summer," he said.
"But I have confidence in the Kennedy Centre that they will take whatever steps are necessary," he added.
Kennedy Centre manager John Jones said they were taking the matter "seriously" and “will consider all avenues”.
However, he said no complaints had been made directly to the centre and the pop-up shop was due to cease trading on December 4 as originally agreed with centre management.
The 'pop up' shop also sold scrambler bikes in the centre last year around Christmas.
But Annie Armstrong, manager of Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, said there was "absolutely no place" for scramblers and off-road vehicles in public spaces or on the street.
“We understand the sensitivities surrounding the sale of these vehicles in west Belfast," she said
"We would ask those who are thinking about buying these items to consider all the consequences. We would encourage people to buy them responsibly; check the paperwork is in order, that proper safety gear has been purchased, and that they are driven legally and safely in a suitable environment," she added.
Mr Heading also urged parents to "think twice" before considering purchasing one for their children.
"They are not toys, they are recreational machines and you need to be trained in how to use them.
"It is my hope that the overall problem of these vehicles being available for purchase for very young people will be addressed by Stormont," he added.
Last month Sinn Féin assembly member Gerry Kelly said urgent action was needed to highlight the dangers of scramblers and quad bikes given the number of fatalities and accidents in recent years.
