A BEAUTY spot in Bolton is being ripped up and damaged by people driving quads and off-road bikes.

Police have now stepped in to try to protect the Rivington reservoir estate after a wave of incidents over the last 12 months has caused thousands of pounds of damage.

Fences have been uprooted and turf ripped up by trespassing vehicles, and the land's owners, United Utilities, say they are worried that someone could be seriously injured.

Vandals are also cutting fences around the site, which is allowing livestock to escape.

Signs have now been installed around the estate warning that any drivers are liable to be prosecuted if they use the land.

North west water company United Utilities said it was saddened by the mess being caused.

Police do not know who is regularly driving on the land — with regular incidents dating back about a year.

Guy Barker, a park ranger for United Utilities, said: "It is very saddening and frustrating to see the mess that is being caused by thoughtless 4x4 drivers and quad bikers.

"We have had fences torn down which need to be repaired and been forced to re-profile the ground where it has become rutted, which costs thousands of pounds.

"But our biggest concern is for members of the public - we have had reports of near misses and it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt."

The signs have been put on all routes leading to Rivington Pike.

PC Paul Harrison, of Lancashire Police, said: "This is a serious problem in Rivington.

"4x4 vehicles and off-road motor vehicles are regularly seen driving erratically in the area and this is a danger to members of the public and the drivers themselves.

"Anyone who sees someone driving dangerously in the area should call police.

"The signs that we have been able to install are a first and final warning meaning police will seize any vehicle seen being driven dangerously."

Anyone with information can contact PC Harrison on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.