Police crack down on bikers plaguing former golf course

37 incidents at site over the last year

- Phil Corrigan

POLICE are taking action to tackle nuisance bikers at a former golf course - after dozens of incidents over the past year.

Officers say that Keele Golf Course, pictured, is a major hotspot for anti-social behaviour in Newcastle, with off-road motorcycles being the main issue.

A total of 37 incidents of 'community nusiance' have been reported to Staffordshire Police over the last 12 months, including 12 in the last 90 days. Other locations frequently targeted by bikers include Orme Road and The Wammy.

Staffordshire Police is using a range of methods to deal with the issue, including police spotter planes, drones and CCTV, as well as using licence and insurance legislation to seize bikes which are being used illegally.

Officers explained their approach to members of the health, wellbeing and environment scrutiny committee at Newcastle Borough Council.

Sergeant Dave Henshall said that 'section 59' notices can be used to seize vehicles being used anti-socially, but there were drawbacks to this method.