THE community and Kirklees Council must do more to curb the illegal use of mini-motorbikes and quad-bikes, says a councillor.

Clr Angela Ellam, who represents Dalton ward, wants to see a more `co-ordinated effort' to stop motorbikes, mini-motos and quad-bikes, that are `blighting people's lives'.

She says the problem is growing across Huddersfield. In the Dalton ward alone the following incidents have taken place:

* Residents are disturbed on a regular basis by the sound of the vehicles being revved in nearby fields.

* Wildlife, footpaths, walls and nature trails in Kilner Bank and Dalton Nature Reserve have been destroyed by such machines.

* Dog walkers and families have had near-misses after suddenly encountering speeding bikes.

Clr Ellam said: "I frequently get complaints of illegal use of vehicles on housing estates, recreational areas, grasslands and woodlands.

"Quite recently I saw a car drive on to the playing fields in Standiforth Road, a quad- bike removed from the boot, and a couple of children allowed to ride it on the field."

But she says tackling the problem isn't easy, adding: "The police have a specialist unit, based in Dewsbury, to deal with reports of illegal motorbikes.

"But, as with many issues tackled by the police, they can't do it alone.

"They also need the support and co-operation of Kirklees, who also have certain powers, and the wider community, who can let the police know where and when the offenders are meeting."

Clr Ellam said there was more that could be done to tackle the problem.

"Examples of things that other authorities are doing include using helicopters to catch offenders, producing guidance leaflets and a hotline number to report incidents.

"They also run adverts asking the public to `think again' about buying mini-mokes and trikes, they target schools and inform pupils of the law and ensure bikes are advertised appropriately.

"These bikes are blighting people's lives, tearing up the countryside and even causing accidents.

"More measures are needed to stop them."