HIGH speed middle-aged motorcyclists are bringing danger to narrow country roads by racing around a North Yorkshire beauty spot, say local residents.

People living in a 400 square mile stretch of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have called in police to try to curb the growing menace.

Residents have taken their protests to Nidderdale's community and police group. Now, the North Yorkshire force has agreed to take action to curb the dangers.

The natural beauty area stretches from near Masham, in the north, to Leeds in the south.

Pam Kirby, chairman of the Nidderdale police and community group, said problems centred on roads near the West End reservoir, Blubberhouses, the Otley-Menwith Hill road, and from Pateley Bridge to the Ramsgill area.

She said most of the problems were caused by middle- aged "cult motorcyclists" invading the Dale from areas such as Leeds and Bradford, at weekends.

Mrs Kirby said riders were using powerful machines on sometimes narrow, winding roads with the potential for accidents.

"The motorcyclists come out in groups and go roaring around at very high speeds," she said.

Residents voiced fears over unofficial races being held on narrow country lanes, particularly where there are straight stretches.

Mrs Kirby said was pleased the force had taken up the issue. She acknowledged it was difficult to police such a large area, but said complaints had identified specific problem roads