POLICE in Derwentside have scrambled into action to tackle the menace of off-road motorcycles on public rights of way.

Officers have taken delivery of two Yamaha WR 250cc machines for use across the district, thanks to £45,000 from the Derwentside Local Strategic Partnership.

Some of the money will be used to limit access to known troublespots and install signs banning off-road machines.

PC Jonathan Hamill, who will be riding one of the bikes, said: "The best way to tackle the problem of off-road bikers is to have the use of similar machines to target the problem and we are delighted we now have some.

"Off-road bikes are a danger and a menace to people in communities across Derwentside but we hope their days are now numbered."

PC Hamill said the problem with bikers had existed for some time.

He said: "We began making special efforts to tackle this nuisance back in the summer.

"Twenty-two notices have been issued to people caught riding illegally warning them that a second offence will result in the bikes being confiscated.

"No second warning notices have been issued to date, which indicates that the scheme is having the desired deterrent effect.

"In addition to this we have seized 12 suspected stolen machines. Many of the machines these people ride are not maintained properly and their dangerous mechanical condition makes them potential death traps."

PC Hamill said police recognised there were genuine off-road enthusiasts who only wanted to ride their bikes but they had to respect others and not cause damage to wildlife or environment.

Before being given the new motorbikes, the officers' ability to tackle the problem was limited by their use of machines from a pool shared throughout the force area.

Now they are operating as part of a joint action plan agreed by the Derwentside Crime and Disorder Partnership, with Durham County Council contributing to the cost of the scheme and the district council erecting warning notices and limiting access to troublespots.

Derwentside District Council leader Councillor Alex Watson said: "Our message is clear, scrambler bikes are not welcome in Derwentside, and we as a partnership are committed to ending this menace."