POLICE have launched a crack-down on off-road bikers who are targeting a patch of land used by walkers and children.

The motorbikers are using private land on the Drum Industrial Estate close to Low Flatts Road in Chester-le-Street.

But over the past few months police have been inundated with complaints from residents about the off-road bikes and are now planning to try and curb the activity, which they claim is a danger to the public.

PC Jayne Goodfellow, from Chester-le-Street police, said: "Not only are the bikes being ridden on private land without permission, but they are also travelling over areas close to where children play and people spend their leisure time walking and cycling. The motorbikes are being ridden in a manner dangerous to both members of the public and to the bikers themselves. The noise they make annoys residents and they are damaging the land."

Police are carrying out patrols in the area, particularly at weekends. The force's motorcycle officers will also be involved in the operation and steps are being taken to put up signs warning that the land is private.

The off-road bikers are being urged to use designated sites at Marley Hill, Gateshead; Warden Law, Houghton-le-Spring; Tow Law, Durham and Firthmoor, Darlington.

PC Goodfellow said: "The bikers need to be aware that we will be taking a hard line with them and their actions won't be tolerated."