POLICE in Farnworth are urging residents to help them put the brakes on nuisance bikers.

A public consultation by the Moses Gate neighbourhood policing team has identified yobs on mopeds and trial bikes as a major concern.

Now officers are asking people to help combat the problem by gathering descriptions of illegal riders, their bikes and where they live.

Police Community Support Officer Suzanne Keenan said: "We are determined to eradicate this public nuisance, but need the help of local people to successfully target and trap illegal bikers.

"We need residents to report where and when illegal biking is taking place. They should also provide us with good descriptions of the bikers, the machines they are riding and, most importantly, where they live.

"With the support of people I am sure we can make Farnworth a safer and more pleasant place."

Off-road bikes, including mini-bikes, quad bikes, mini-motos, electric scooters, buzz boards and go-peds, can only be legally ridden on private land with the landowner's permission.

Riding on roads requires the bike to be built for road use, have a valid MOT, registration documents and road tax. The rider must be over 16, be insured and wear an approved safety helmet.

Motorbikes ridden illegally can be confiscated and destroyed.

PCSO Keenan said the machines can present a real danger to riders not trained in their use or maintenance, and also to other road users and pedestrians.

Public concern about anti-social behaviour with motorbikes in the last two years has led forces to target their illegal use.

Residents can report nuisance biking through their neighbourhood policing team or by calling 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.