ANGRY residents have turned to their village's police officer and councillor to rid their streets of a dangerous hobby.

People living in West Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, are worried that someone could be hurt if quad bike owners continue to ride in the centre of the village.

They are tired of their village greens being ripped to pieces by the bikes.

As a consequence, Wear Valley District Council and the local police are urging people to find somewhere else to ride their motor and quad bikes.

The council has received a number of complaints from residents of West Auckland and other villages, who are concerned about riders damaging footpaths and grass verges.

Councillor John Ferguson, who represents West Auckland ward, said: "We have received a number of complaints and these have been reported to the police.

"These bikes are dangerous and the council's number one priority is for the safety of our residents.

"The village green has been damaged and unfortunately, at this time of year, it cannot be repaired until the spring, so I would urge any residents who know who these riders are to report them to the council."

Acting Sergeant Gary Cullen, who patrols West Auckland, warned that the police will be tough on people riding these vehicles in an unsuitable place or manner.

He said: "The problem is certainly one which has come to our attention and we would remind people that quad bikes are designed as off-road machines and should always be used on appropriate ground, such as wasteland.

"Footpaths and village greens are definitely not suitable for such use.

"Last year, one man was successfully prosecuted for riding a quad bike on the footpath in Manor Road and we will take firm action against others who we catch behaving in this way."

Anyone who would like to report an incident regarding the quad bike riders in West Auckland, or any other area within Wear Valley, can contact the community services department at Wear Valley District Council on (01388) 761541.

All callers can remain anonymous.