MOTORBIKE scramblers are driving residents to distraction in a Westhoughton neighbourhood.

The constant roaring of engines throughout the day has angered neighbours so much that they have complained to councillors to ban them.

Police and environmental health officers have been alerted.

The problem is around the Peel Street area of the town, alongside the railway line in the centre of Westhoughton.

Old pit heaps are being used by the off-road cyclists.

Westhoughton town council leader, Cllr David Wilkinson, said: "At weekends it goes on all day long.

"Saturday and Sunday, from morning to night, neighbours are being plagued by the constant roaring of the engines.

"In addition to the never-ending noise pollution, these riders are a danger to not only themselves, but members of the public living nearby.

"There are footbridges near to where these riders go and many older people find the motorbikes not only annoying but quite frightening.

"Some of the riders can ride quite dangerously and I would hate to see someone hurt.

"We intend to see what we can do about this situation, not only to prevent accidents, but also to give residents back their quality of life at the weekends."

Former pit heaps are a popular destination for off-road motorcyclists and in recent weeks accidents on them have caused full-scale alerts.

Two weeks ago two men scrambling on pit heaps in Leigh were badly injured but because of their off road position, ambulance crews could not reach them.

Police, mountain rescue teams and ambulance crews attended together with the air ambulance.

One man had to be air lifted while another was carried to safety by members of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

Cllr Wilkinson added: "These cyclists are a menace to themselves and others. And at times it makes you wonder whether they should foot the bill for the trouble they cause."