Off-road bikers targeted

ROSSENDALE Police have launched a joint operation this week targeting nuisance offroading.

In a message on their Facebook page, a spokesperson said off-road bikes and 4x4s using the moorland as a playground without consideration for others was a problem.

They added: “The activity of off-roading on moorland/common land is illegal, causes damage to the moorland, disturbs wildlife and livestock and causes annoyance to members of the public who report their concerns to us.

“Working with GMP, United Utilities and volunteers we have seized several off-road bikes, a van used to transport such bikes, reported several riders for offences under the Road Traffic Act such as riding on Common Land, issued S.59 warnings and issued fines for breaching Covid rules. For those that want to undertake off-roading, perhaps is now a good time to mention that there are several leisure locations where this activity can be enjoyed legally. Some in the Rossendale area.”