A BRADFORD resident has said that locals are “afraid” to visit a nearby beauty spot due to quad bikers and anti-social behaviour.

The man – who wished to be anonymous, after claiming that the bikers often act in a “threatening” manner when confronted – said that “yobs” are causing damage to Pitty Beck in Thornton.

It comes after another local resident, who also wished to be anonymous, complained last week about Pitty Beck being “ruined” by bikers.

Now, a man who has lived in the area for “nearly 30 years” has spoken of his experience.

“It’s always been a problem, but it got significantly worse over lockdown”, he said

“They’re out all afternoons on weekends. With the lighter evenings, they’re also appearing during the week now.

“You can hear them when your windows are open. You can’t go in your garden - it’s so loud.

“Pitty Beck was a lovely tranquil spot, used by dog walkers and kids going to school. But it’s so muddy now that most kids get lifts.

“It’s a menace and it's upsetting locals.”

The man added that the bikers are often aggressive, and that the police seem “powerless” to stop them.

“They are not just being noisy and making a mess, but also threatening people”, he said.

“They have threatened to run people over with bikes, and one neighbour reported that stones were thrown at them.

“The land is elevated, so the bikers can see when police are arriving, so they all disperse.

“The police have spoken to them, but I don’t think they’ve done any more.

“We’ve complained to the Council, but nothing happens – so people end up putting up with it.”

Commenting on the issue, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the mindless vandalism and anti-social behaviour by a small minority at Pitty Beck.

“This has caused damage to some of our work to improve the site, such as park furniture and rubbish bins being burnt, fencing cut for bikes to gain unauthorised access and track marks left around the site.

“This has been reported to police on several occasions and we have carried out repairs to fencing and the footbridge.

“Motorcycle barriers have also been installed at the entrance, and boulders at both ends of the new footbridge. So far this has worked.

“We have been working to make this a welcoming green space and are working with Friends of Bradford Beck to do a clean-up this month, so would welcome local volunteers.”