COMMUNITY leaders were last night celebrating a £45,000 cash boost geared at tackling the anti-social behaviour of off-road motorcyclists on public rights of way.

The award from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund will pay for two off-road motorcycles for police to patrol the roads and public areas in Derwentside.

It will also pay for the installation of warning signs, fencing and barriers around out-of-bounds areas.

Councillor Alex Watson, the leader of Derwentside District Council, said: "We are delighted with this award.

"There have been some near misses between motorcyclists and people or horses. This will help with the setting up of a specialist unit that will deal with the serious problem.

"At the moment, there are two off-road police motorcycles for whole of County Durham. This will enable us to buy two motorcycles for exclusive use in Derwentside.

"It will also pay for specialist clothing for up to six Derwentside police officers who will be given training to ride the motorcycles."

Coun Watson said while the two Yamaha WR 250cc scramblers would be used predominantly to tackle the illegal use of motorcycles, they could also be used for missing person searches and other duties.

He said: "They could also be great ice-breakers with young people and used to educate those who are apprehended in the safe use of their motorcycles."

Sergeant Andy Huddleston, of Consett police, who helped spearhead the bid, said up to six police officers would be given specialised training with Durham Police's off-road motorcycle section.

He said: "We are delighted that this has come to fruition. It will be an extra tool in the box to help deal with this unique problem.

"We have a vast amount of coast-to-coast route in the district and numerous footpaths and public rights of way."

The ongoing revenue costs of the scheme will be paid for by Durham County Council.

Derwentside's Community Empowerment Network chairwoman Maureen Colohan said: "This is a really exciting innovative way of addressing the problem, which has been an issue for some time, throughout the partnerships in Derwentside."