LOCAL people and wildlife experts say youngsters riding quad bikes are causing damage and disturbing residents and walkers on a beach.

They are calling for action to be taken to stop the youngsters, thought to be mainly boys aged between 14 and 16, who race along a stretch of beach near The Headlands, in Marske.

Fears have also been raised over the use of the quad bikes at nearby Errington Woods.

Police have confirmed it is an offence to use the bikes on the beach and in the woods and on hills because it poses a danger to children, walkers and horse riders.

Councillor Madge Moses said: "It's a beautiful area with sand dunes and grassy areas. These people are in danger of damaging all that.

"Residents have complained about the noise when they rev the bikes. One lady told me how frightening it is when you meet them on the pathway.

"It's frightening for people going down there, especially with young children."

She said she had been told by police that the only area the quad bikes should be used was a motor sports area at Charltons, near Guisborough.

"If this doesn't stop, residents want signs put up on the beach," she said.

Jeremy Garside, chief executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, said the area by The Headlands was a site of nature conservation importance.

"The sand dunes are important for bird life and especially at this time when they are laying their eggs," he said.

"The ringed plover, which is a threatened species, is particularly at risk from this recreational activity because it lays its eggs on the shingle.

"There are also safety issues and the potential damage to the structure of the sand dunes."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "We are aware that there have been several complaints made by people about the use of quad bikes in an anti-social behaviour way.

"We are making it part of our general patrols to monitor Marske beach.

"Police have spoken to children using the bikes at Errington Woods."