By Keir Mudie

Last updated 05:20, Friday, 09 May 2008

NUISANCE bikers using the new Petteril Valley riverside route as a racetrack are in danger of losing their machines.

Getting tough on anti-social behaviour: Inspector Chris Wickwar, seen here outside Welsh Road police station in Carlisle, said: ‘Riders need to be aware that we will seize motorcycles found on the path’

Cumbria County Council has joined forces with the police to crack down on illegal riders after complaints from nearby residents.

The path along the Petteril – which will cost £420,000 – is due to be finished by early June, but people living nearby have already complained that motorcyclists and quad bikers have been riding dangerously along the newly-laid surfaces.

The bikers have been warned they risk having their vehicles confiscated and crushed if they continue to use the path.

Inspector Chris Wickwar, in charge of the Local Policing Team, said: “We have achieved a lot of success recently in reducing this type of problem. However, we are very aware that the new path has resulted in more complaints about motorcycles.

“Any offences committed there will be dealt with as a priority, and riders need to be aware that we will seize any motorcycles found on the path”.

The crackdown forms part of the ongoing Operation Minx which seeks to combat this type of anti-social activity.

Jason Dixey, project manager with Cumbria County Council’s land reclamation team, urged the public to help tackle the nuisance bikers.

Mr Dixey said: “We have had problems like this with sites in other parts of the county.

“It is a problem which we have managed to reduce and even remove through improvements to access controls at the entrance to public spaces, and signs to advise users that motor vehicles are not permitted.

“Perhaps most importantly is the increased use of the site by walkers, cyclists and people with prams and wheelchairs.

“This has brought about a self-policing of the site, and the motorbike problem has been greatly reduced and even removed altogether.”

The county and city councils have been working together to create a footpath and cycleway along the River Petteril between London Road and Petteril Bank Road in Carlisle.

The Petteril Valley area is managed by Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council is spending £420,000 of North West Development Agency money making the route accessible to everyone, including people using wheelchairs and parents pushing prams.

Dozens of bikes have been crushed over the past few years by Cumbria Constabulary as part of special operations and their ongoing Respect campaign.

This initiative tackles anti-social behaviour and its causes by urging members of each community to respect each other, working with police to deal with issues.

n Members of the public can report any unauthorised riders on 0845 3300247 or anonymously on CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.