A specialist police unit to tackle off-road bikers causing a nuisance is coming to Bolton.

It comes after several complaints of vandalism caused by riders to local pitches and causing a nuisance on streets.

The specialist Greater Manchester Police unit will specifically address anti-social behaviour and crime related to off-road motorcycles.

The confirmation of the deployment comes after a motion was agreed at Bolton Council, calling for the off-road bike unit to come to the area.

In the letter to Bolton Council the Greater Manchester Police Specialist Operations Branch said: “We are pleased to inform you that the Greater Manchester Police Specialist Operations Branch is taking decisive steps to address off-road motorcycle anti-social behaviour and related crime.

“In the coming weeks, a dedicated unit will be launched to tackle this problem head-on. This unit will operate on an intelligence-led basis, utilising regular analysis of data and trends to effectively deploy resources across Greater Manchester.

“Rest assured, the re-establishment of this specialised unit underscores our commitment to tackling the persistent problems caused by off-road bikes.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our residents, as well as protecting our green spaces and local amenities from damage.”

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Cllr Barnard said: “Off-road bikes are a real scourge in my ward, churning up fields and making them unusable for local sports teams.

“As the father of a young daughter too, the noise of them whizzing around the village is a real irritant and is a disruption when trying to put my little girl to bed.”

The Bolton News: A recently seized off road bike and a field which was vandalised by riders on bikes

Cllr Kate Taylor, who has been working with the police to tackle the problem in Barlow Park added: “My residents tag me into their reports of off-road bikes in local Facebook Groups.

“I’m doing what I can but in the absence of a specialist unit it’s been difficult to make much progress.

“Hopefully this will change things.”

Local councillors have been running a petition to show the strength of feeling in the area.

Thousands of leaflets promoting the petition had been distributed in Breightmet by Cllr Rob Morrisey last year.

Cllr Morrisey said: “Even before my election, off-road bike nuisance was among the main issues coming up when I was canvassing.

“It’s remained at the top of the agenda this year but until now there haven’t been the resources needed to tackle the problem. I am glad that GMP have sat up and listened.”

Labour's candidate for Bolton North East, Kirith Entwistle, added: "The anti-social behaviour caused by these off-road bikes has been an issue plaguing residents for a long time.

"I'm really pleased to see campaign work with our brilliant councillors has resulted in a success.

"The return of a specialised unit to tackle this problem will have a big impact to our communities, and provide support to councillors who have been working hard to do what they can to help in the meantime.

"I look forward to working with GMP, and I'd strongly encourage residents to report incidents wherever possible, to help tackle this persistent issue."

GMP say that deployment of the off-road bike unit will be ‘intelligence-led’, and so it is important that residents report incidents via 101 and online chat.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.