'Reckless' off-road bikers blight neighbourhoods

Mill Lane skate park is among the areas in Barrow used by off-road bikers

"Reckless" off-road bikers have been blighting the lives of a town's residents, who complain of late night noise and dangerous speeds.

The issue is affecting a number of areas across Barrow and Walney, Cumbria, with bikes even spotted on Hawcoat fields during a football match.

Elaine Twinney, who works at the One Stop shop at Mill Lane, Walney, said she witnessed the bikes riding into people on the pavement outside the shop.

Cumbria Police asked people to report any issues.

Residents told BBC Radio Cumbria that hotspots for off-road bikes included the skate park at Mill Lane in Walney and Furness Golf Club.

Ms Twinney said she was concerned about the safety of children in the area.

She added: "[The bikers] just get away from the police all the time."

Residents said the noise of the bikes could be heard at night

Gordon Downing, a member at the golf club, agreed it was difficult for police to catch them in the act.

"Once they see you, you know they're off," he said.

Mr Downing said it was fairly common for people with bikes and quad bikes to ruin the grass by riding on to the greens.

"We seem to have bouts of it, early in the morning sometimes and sometimes it's like bike tracks," he said.

Barrow's neighbourhood policing team said it continued to target areas reported by residents.

A spokesman said: "[Recently] we attended an address on Salthouse Road to issue a community protection warning where we know these bikes are frequenting.

"Driving these bikes in this manner is not only reckless but is dangerous to members of the local community."