COUNCILS in the North-East are being encouraged to crack down on mini-motorbikes that cause misery to residents.

Figures show that there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of the bikes since 2001, with 144,000 in use across the country.

Although it is illegal to ride them on public land, the law is frequently flouted.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has devised a plan which it has issued to councils, to help tackle the problem.

It wants local authorities to work with the police to seize and crush bikes that are driven illegally, serve Asbos and noise notices on persistent offenders, set up managed sites where bikes can be driven legally and safely, and make sure bikes are advertised appropriately.

Councillor Alison King, chairwoman of the LGA's Children and Young People board, said: "Town halls are getting tough on mini-motorbikes. These bikes are blighting people's lives, tearing up public parks and even causing deaths on our roads. Councils and the police will seize and crush bikes that are driven on public land.

"People who continually flout the law can also expect to be served with Asbos or prosecuted."

Some councils in the region are already taking measures to tackle the problem.

Last month, Darlington Borough Council revealed it had joined forces with police. In the first weekend, one bike was seized and 12 traffic notices issued to offenders.

The operation came as a result of complaints from residents who said they were fed up with motorcyclists riding dangerously. The council's uniformed wardens were receiving up to three calls a day about the issue.

They will be targeting all areas within the borough in the coming weeks.

A council spokeswoman said yesterday the scheme was proving a success and more vehicles had been seized and notices issued since it was launched.

Mini-motorbikes have also caused problems at County Durham wildlife sites, including Cong Burn nature reserve, in Chester-le-Street, and Crow Trees local nature reserve, near Quarrington Hill.

Durham County Council has been working with police to eradicate the problem and patrols have been stepped up in the area.

The LGA said many people did not realise it was illegal to use the bikes on land without the permission of the landowner.

Ms King said: "All too often, people see these bikes as toys and may not realise it is illegal to ride them in the streets and in the parks. We need to ensure that they are properly advertised and people know where and when they can use them, before spending money."