YOUNG motorcyclists who have been riding on open land on the fringe of a village were warned yesterday that their machines are liable to be seized by police.

One youth has been issued with a formal warning over noise caused by driving at high speeds on the fell at Cockfield, near Barnard Castle.

He has been told that if he is caught again during the next 12 months, his bike would be taken from him - and it would cost him at least £150 to get it back.

It is the first time a notice of this kind has been handed out at Cockfield as part of the Police Reform Act of 2002, under a section dealing with alarm or nuisance caused by off-road vehicles.

Now other motorcyclists are being warned that if they keep riding on the fell they will be given similar notices, leaving them all liable to have their machines seized.

Residents have made many complaints over the years about bikers who shatter their peace by racing around on the fell at night.

Sergeant Jonathan Morgan, of Barnard Castle Police, said yesterday: "One youth has now been issued with a formal notice under the Act, warning him about his inconsiderate behaviour.

"If he repeats this conduct in the next year, his motorbike can be taken from him without further warning.

"It will be put into a police pound, and he will have to pay to recover it, as well as facing charges for any offences he has committed."

Any motorbike seized is examined by police experts who can order any necessary repairs to be done before it is used again.

Then the owner has to pay more than £100 as well as £15 a day storage fee, plus VAT, to get it back.

Sgt Morgan said: "If a motorbike is taken in this way it will cost at least £150, and probably a lot more, to get it back. So the riders should think carefully before riding about on the fell."

Councillor John Priestley, a member of Teesdale District Council for Cockfield, said yesterday: "This is extremely good news, which will be welcomed by many village residents.

"There have been constant protests about bikers causing noise and nuisance, and this should put a stop to them. I hope it has the desired effect."