Link-up to tackle nuisance bikers

The bikes could be crushed, police warn

Bradford Council has joined Yorkshire Water and West Yorkshire Police to tackle the problem of illegal motorbike and quad bike use on the Esholt Estate.

The bikes are being driven at speed through the woodlands, creating noise, damage and danger, residents say.

The Council and Yorkshire Water both own large areas of woodland between Thackley and Guiseley, centred around the Esholt sewage works.

The council's Park Rangers and police are planning surprise visits.

The police say they will be out to catch the riders by using off road motorcycles, video surveillance and mounted officers.

Increased Ranger patrols, barriers and signs have all been put in place over recent months, but a number of persistent offenders continue riding through the woods and causing damage, the council says.

The police will issue notices to all motorcyclists and quad riders they catch. The next time they are caught they are liable to have their machines taken away and crushed.