A NEW project starts this week in Northwich to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of motor and quad bikes.

Vale Royal's Community Safety Partnership is aiming to tackle the anti social, off-road use of the bikes at locations around the borough.

The partnership wants to stop people using the bikes in a way that has a negative effect on neighbourhood life, after complaints that some motorcyclists use pavements and cross back gardens.

Concerns have been voiced over the safety of residents as well as the riders themselves - who are said to often ride without wearing protective equipment.

Until recently there was no specific legislation to cover the problem, but since the introduction of the Police Reform Act 2002 Cheshire Police now have the power to seize vehicles used in this way.

In the short term, a specially trained police unit will operate in hot spot areas, looking to identify and act against anti-social use of the bikes.

A spokesman for the partnership said: "In the longer term opportunities will be sought to 'design out' the problem at particular hotspots, and to promote greater awareness of the youth services Kickstart programme that is designed to positively channel such behaviour.

"This is an activity that causes much concern to some residents and the wider public in certain areas.

"Yet is also one that through the Kickstart programme offers exciting and challenging activity for young people - by raising awareness of the problem and working together we can achieve a solution that is suitable to all".

For information on Kickstart, phone Cheshire County Council Youth Service at Rudheath leisure centre on 01606 350750.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk