OFF-ROAD bikers who are churning up a field in Yeadon are the target of a new clampdown by Leeds City Council.

Staff from the Parkswatch department have put up warning signs on Plane Tree Hill as part of a scheme to prevent anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

The area off Bayton Lane has become a popular site for drivers of 4x4 vehicles and off road motorbikes.

But noise pollution and soil erosion is turning the area into an eyesore and making life unpleasant for nearby residents.

Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Wharfedale) has received numerous complaints about the problem.

He said: "The use of bikes and larger vehicles on that field has been an enormous problem and ongoing for several years.

"Residents have had to put up with an awful lot.

"On summer evenings they can't sit out in their gardens because of the constant drone of motorbikes."

And the land itself is suffering substantial damage.

Coun Fox said: "The area is in an appalling state.

"It has the potential to be a pretty area but at the moment it resembles a lunar landscape.

"There have even been army type vehicles driving around up there.

"It is also used as a tip - if you want to find a used or burnt out car - go there."

Plane Tree Hill is used by dog walkers and plane spotters, and occasionally by picnickers.

Coun Fox welcomes the warning signs put in place this week but believes much more needs to be done.

"The signs will help, but it mustn't rest there," he said.

"We must have some sort of scheme to solve the problem.

"I have had detailed talks with the Council about this but the problem is the area has several different owners.

"The scheme we have come up with would allow the area to be an informal viewing site for the airport but would block off vehicle access.

"The downside is this would cost around £100,000 for the area to be officially endorsed and the access road widened and made safe."