JET-SKIERS who have been given a free rein in a North resort could find themselves curtailed in future.

Powerful machines zooming over the waves in Scarborough's North Bay, North Yorkshire, have prompted complaints from both swimmers and surfers, who are worried that it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

Following a local survey, the borough council is to consider imposing a speed limit in the area, as well as restricting jet-skis to an area cordoned off with marker buoys.

Scarborough director of tourism, Peter Dahl, said: "Over the past ten years, new water sports have grown in the North Bay, especially surfing and jet- skiing.

"Regulation of the sea below low water level used to be difficult and time-consuming, but this can now be dealt with under a set of model bylaws issued by the Home Office."

Mr Dahl emphasised that the survey, carried out among residents as well as visitors to the resort's beaches, came down in favour of encouraging the jet-skiers to continue visiting Scarborough.

However, better segregation won majority support and further consultation with all those who enjoy water sports in the area was approved by the borough council's tourism scrutiny committee.

Members also voted to support moves to improve beach-side facilities, providing more showers and entertainment.

Meanwhile, a ban on dogs being taken on the beach between May and September seems likely to stay.