Off-Road vehicles are destroying countryside beauty spots.
Motor bikes and 4x4s have wreaked “irreparable damage” to land around Yateholme, Ramsdens and Brownhill reservoirs, in the Holme Valley, leaving it looking like a wasteland.
Tyres have worn down feeding habitats into mud and caused holes, stone walls have been broken and car parts have been littered in the areas, despite attempts by police and others to stop them.
Now concerned walker John Hyland and Kirklees Rural Police want to raise awareness of serious further threats to the countryside.
John, of Upperthong, has been documenting the destruction done by the vehicles over the past few months.
He said: “It’s really sad. They are intent on destroying the countryside and vital habitats.
“The 4x4s get up here by driving along the roads from Brownhill Lane but then instead of staying on them they insist on driving off the tracks.
“The gamekeeper says he hears their noise and lights and I’ve seen suspicious groups in Holmfirth. They are causing a serious amount of damage.
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“They have destroyed the feeding habitats for birds and who knows what else– it’s having a massive cost to the environment.
“They are also moving boulders put there to stop them getting onto the land and are breaking stone walls to help their vehicles get across holes.
“The police put some warning signs up but they ripped down three quarters of them.
“I’ve seen suspicious groups in Holmfirth but they tend to come hear during the night so they can’t be seen.”
Police from the Holme Valley ward have been sending officers from the Kirklees off road bike team to patrol the areas.
A spokesperson, said: “Large stone boulders have been placed to try and prevent access but these are being dragged out of the way, thus causing further damage to the ground surface.
“We are appealing to local residents to be on the lookout for and report these off roaders who are causing irreparable damage to our countryside, some of which is protected by Natural England.
“Any information regarding the identity of persons or vehicles, please contact us using the 101 Non-Emergency service.”
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
