POLICE have threatened to come down hard on anti-social bikers who are persistently causing a nuisance in Middlewich.

Congleton Community Action Team has seen an increase in the number of people driving mini mopeds and motor cross bikes in public areas of the town and officers are now fully equipped to clamp down on what they say is becoming a serious problem.

Earlier this month the Guardian reported how bikers were threatening the town's heritage by riding their vehicles on Harbutt's Field, the site of a Roman fort.

Now PC Alison Wright, Congleton CAT police officer for Middlewich, says the anti-social behaviour has spread and is warning the culprits that action will be taken if they are caught.

She said: "I've received reports that people were using bikes between Midpoint 18 and Brooks Lane industrial estate at the weekend for up to five hours at a time.

"I would like to reiterate that it is still a problem and there is legislation now in place to address this. We will come down hard if we catch people using them illegally."

The legislation will allow police officers to make a verbal warning to anyone caught driving the vehicles and if it is ignore the police will have powers to confiscate the vehicles.

She added: "We are aware that it is still very much a problem and will be increasing our patrols to address the issue."

PC Wright can be contacted by voicemail on 01244 613538 or by email at congleton.cat@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.