SECURITY is to be stepped up at Bolton's newest country park after reports that vehicles are being set alight and off-road bikers are putting off walkers.

Cutacre Country Park is being created alongside the industrial development of Logistics North to become a local beauty spot for employees and locals as well as a haven for wildlife.

Now residents have raised concerns that the park is becoming a no-go area for walkers because of off-road bikers.

The fire service have also been called to the area a number of time after vehicles have been set alight there.

Residents have contacted site managers.

One resident who lives in Over Hulton said: "Most of the pathways that have been laid are being used by the local off-road motorbike and quad fraternity."

The 76-year-old added: "I would be very frightened to take a small child on the park.

"Walkers are turning back, not wishing to encounter these lunatics."

Residents were recently invited to see phase one of the of the transformation of 550 acres of the 800-acre site to see the difference £2.5million has made in turning the former surface mine and surrounding land into a park.

Works have included new ecological ponds, new footpaths and bridleways and the development of a car park.

The country park, the size of 450 football pitches, has stunning panoramic views across Greater Manchester and across Cheshire.

Iain Thomson associate director, partnerships and communications for Harworth Group, said: "The country park is being developed for the good of the wider community and mindless anti-social behaviour like this totally undermines why it is being created.

"We’re therefore determined to work with the council and emergency services to get this eliminated.

"We’ll be increasing existing security patrols on-site while liaising with the police, fire service and council on both increasing the number of barriers at key entry points and on increasing patrols close to the development too.

"The public are also a key part of eliminating this problem and should they spot anyone acting suspiciously either on or close to the site, they should call Greater Manchester Police on 101."