A CRACKDOWN has started against young bikers causing havoc in parts of Keighley.

A Keighley councillor has secured special fencing to stop motorbikes and high-speed quads getting on to one Braithwaite troublespot.

And the police’s crack bike team has stepped up patrols to catch anti-social riders and impound their vehicles.

One nuisance bike was this week found hidden in the kitchen of a Keighley house after being ridden round the Highfield.

The campaign comes after numerous reports in recent months of youths racing bikes and quads on local streets and recreation grounds.

The police’s bikes unit has seized more than 230 bikes since being formed in summer last year, and in recent weeks officers have tackled anti-social riders in Braithwaite, Cullingworth, Victoria Park, Parkwood and Hainworth.

They have also issued numerous warnings about the dangers of riding in built-up areas or letting young children use the bikes.

Councillor Abid Hussain (Lab, Keighley Central) claimed quads were being used at speeds of up to 90 miles an hour through built-up streets in Highfield.

The quad menace came to light follow reports of youths illegally racing high-powered sports cars through the same streets.

Councillor Adrian Farley (Lab, Keighley West) has now arranged for railings to be installed in School Walk, one of the main troublespots in Braithwaite, within yards of Our Lady of Victories Primary School.

Cllr Farley said: “Residents of School Walk and Broster Avenue are faced with quads and motor bikes riding round in circles on a daily basis causing misery.

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“I have had a site meeting with the highways department to look at getting railings erected. This may not resolve the issue but will hopefully make the route less attractive.”

Cllr Farley said he had been inundated with reports of anti-social behaviour in the Braithwaite area.

He said: “Quad and motorbikes are blighting residents’ lives. I understand that this can go on all night – it is simply unacceptable.

“Anti-social behaviour seems to be a growing problem across the ward. It's a few people making life difficult for the majority.”

Inspector Sue Sanderson, who leads the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by Cllr Farley around the use of nuisance motorbikes in the Braithwaite area and have asked the Bradford District ASB Bike Team to make further enquiries.

“Anyone with information about vehicles being used to cause a nuisance is asked to report it to 101 with as many details as possible. Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or to the team directly at bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.”