A MAJOR crackdown on off-road motorbikes which destroy the peace in Atherton neighbourhoods is being planned.

The initiative is a Borough-wide scheme to put an end to the distress and nuisance being caused to residents.

It follows a report from environmental health chiefs which revealed that many areas of open land where people can walk were being ruined by motorbikes.

Neighbouring residents were having their lives destroyed by constant noise.

It is now planned to use the full range of legal powers available to stop the unauthorised use of land by motorcyclists.

These include:

Seizing and detaining motorcycles until a bill of £300 is paid.

Where a criminal offence is committed, giving a formal caution or even taking out a prosecution which carries a fine of up to £5,000.

Police checks to ensure vehicles are registered, taxed, insured and roadworthy.

In extreme cases, considering the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders prohibiting the rider from using the motorcycle on any land in the Borough.