POLICE have seized a young rider's mini motorbike in a bid to clamp down on "nuisance behaviour" at a popular Kidderminster beauty spot.

Ward councillor for Franche, Jeffrey Baker, said he had been inundated with complaints from local residents, who, for years, had put up with the noise from mopeds and motorbikes being ridden illegally on Puxton Marsh.

There are also fears the site, which is designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest and popular with walkers, will be destroyed if they continue to ride in the area.

Councillor Baker said: "This problem, which has been ongoing for a long time now, came up at a recent Partners and Communities Together - PACT - meeting.

"Residents have often mentioned about the noise of the motorbikes and how they are causing a nuisance in the area. The police are helping us but we need to work together to catch them now."

PC Rosie Wood, beat manager for Habberley, Blakebrook and Franche, said: "It's an issue we are well aware of and we are working with local residents to resolve it.

"These bikes pose both a nuisance and a danger and riders need to be aware that mini motos cannot be used on footpaths, in parks and woodlands or on any council land with public access.

"We have seized one bike and the owner faces a fine of £75 or more to get it back. If they do not pay, or they re-offend and it is seized again, the bike will be destroyed."