POLICE say a summer operation to curb teenage motorcyclists using a beauty spot was a success.
Years of work put into maintaining rare limestone grassland at Sherburn Hill, near Durham City, was threatened by the off-road bikers.
The Site of Special Scientific Interest, cared for by English Nature, is regarded as an important national example.
Villagers also complained that the youths, mainly aged 14 to 18, had been posing a danger to people walking in the area.
Patrols were stepped up in August on land adjoining Cookshold Lane and South Street to ease the problem.
Inspector Steve Glass, of Durham Police, said: "We seized a couple of machines and the youths were advised over their behaviour. The problem seems to have evaporated. The operation was a resounding success.
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