NEW funding will allow a team of police officers on trail bikes to begin a full-time crackdown on nuisance motorcyclists next month.

The team, based at Peterlee police station, was first set up two years ago with funding from the Community Safety Partnership. Its aim was to address the high number of complaints about people riding motorbikes on cycle ways, public spaces and coastal areas in east Durham.

Although there is a motorcycle team based at Durham Constabulary's headquarters, at Aykely Heads, Durham, which covers the whole county, it was felt that Easington needed its own squad because of the scale of its problem.

Three officers were trained to use two off-road bikes, but because of their shift patterns, they could only operate part-time.

Now, thanks to further funding, PC Jim Cowell has been appointed as the team's lead officer, and will organise shifts to provide comprehensive cover.

Sergeant Dave Young, of Easington district's anti-social behaviour unit, said: "The majority of our problems are on the cycle ways, which are for pedal cycles and walkers, but are being used by off-road bikes.

"We also have problems at Crimdon beach. Last year, we had about 450 incidents.

"At the moment, if we have particular problem areas, it is difficult to get two or three off-icers there because of shift patterns.

"Hopefully, when this new initiative starts, PC Cowell will be able to plan ahead."

Sgt Young said the team would concentrate on Sundays in particular, when most complaints were made, and would liaise with transport organisations and members of the public to clamp down on rogue riders.