THERE have been more calls for action over motorcyclists roaring through the tranquil Dales countryside.

North Yorkshire County Council's Richmondshire area committee said it acknowledged that not every biker rode like a maniac.

However, members said some riders were not welcome and urged police attending the meeting at the Colburn Health and Recreation Centre on Monday night to increase their efforts to stop them.

Wensleydale councillor John Blackie said: "People have actually told me they have stopped going out into the Dales in summer because of the gangs of motorcyclists riding suicidally on the roads.

"This is a problem which is now keeping visitors away and is affecting trade in the area."

Councillor Blackie said that the rural areas were promised a better deal when the amount North Yorkshire Police asked for from the public purse went up 70 per cent in April.

He said: "I would suggest recent reports that there is often only one road traffic officer available for the whole of Richmondshire is not good enough, we expect better next year."

Inspector Mike Woodall said that police officers from other departments also patrol the Richmondshire area.

He said that additional manpower for the area was on the way, with new police recruits close to completing their training.

Sergeant Steve Ball said that North Yorkshire Police was investigating the cost of installing speed cameras at some of the county's hot spots.

He said: "However, we should remember you can't just put them up anywhere. They have to meet a number of tight criteria first."