POLICE are determined to clamp down on bikers who are damaging a piece of Middlewich's history.

Congleton Community Action Team has received numerous reports of bikers riding mini moped and motor cross bikes across the site of a Roman fort at Harbutt's Field.

On Saturday residents of Coriander Close complained of excess noise from the bikes and there are concerns that the repetitive driving is causing damage to the field.

PC Alison Wright said: "Kids are going in during the evening and at weekends and there are adults with them. What people don't seem to realise is that these bikes are designed for private estates and if they are taken on to public spaces they must comply with the same laws as any other vehicle."

She added: "The wheels turf up the ground which obviously causes a problem at the site but this is also an anti-social behaviour issue if it affects the quality of life of people who live near by."

Jonathan Williams, Middlewich Town Council clerk, said Harbutt's Field, which is owned by Congleton Borough Council, was scheduled as an ancient monument in 1993 and described the site as 'sensitive'.

He said: "The surface should not be disturbed further than a couple of inches due to the possibility of archaeology on the site."

According to town councillors Simon McGrory and Chalky White, the use of these bikes is not exclusive to Harbutt's Field.

Clr McGrory said: "I have heard complaints about them being on Harbutt's Field but they're also up and down the roads and footpaths."

Clr White added: "I have actually seen them flying down the canal tow path."

Serious

Gareth Edwards, section manager for grounds and cleansing at the borough council, said: "There is a health and safety aspect to this - if they slip or lose control they could have a serious accident."

Mr Edwards said inspectors would visit the site to see if any security improvements could be made.

But Clr McGrory and PC Wright believe that part of the solution would be better signage, highlighting the fact that the field is a heritage site.

PC Wright said that officers are now patrolling the site during evenings and at weekends and urged anyone with information to contact the police by ringing 0845 458 0000.