THERE are concerns that the Scout Moor windfarm has opened up the moors to off-road bikers who are flouting the law.

Three 4X4 vehicles and a motorbike were seized during Operation Quad clampdown. Eight warnings were issued to people using off-road vehicles on common land.

One biker was arrested for drink-driving and driving while disqualified, an arrest was made for cannabis possession and police issued a cannabis caution and a summons for the possession of cannabis.

Operation Quad was carried out by members of Greater Manchester Police off-road bike unit, Rochdale North neighbourhood policing team, Lancashire Police and United Utilities, the landowner.

Norden councillor Ann Metcalfe, who campaigned against the erection of 26 wind turbines, says she is disappointed that the taxpayer is having to foot the bill for this operation because bikers have been encouraged by the windfarm.

She said: "We had the odd motorbikes that went up there before, but the increase has been tremendous. This is because the land is now more secure and open to them after the arrival of the wind turbines. Instead of disappearing down bogs, they have a track before them to ride on."

She added: "As well as the expense for the police, it is taking them away from other duties."

PC Sarah Firth, the Norden area police officer, said: "We had a problem with off-road biking before the windfarm was built, but it has encouraged more people to the area and off-road bikers are using that land to ride on. But we have to react to problems in the community and this was a Pact (Police and Communities Together) priority, hence we brought Operation Quad in."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said they had received positive feedback from walkers, horseriders and cyclists, who were grateful for the police presence.

A week-long Operation Quad in June, on the moors above Norden and Caldershaw, saw more than 40 motorbikes, quads and 4x4s confiscated.

A United Utilities spokeswoman said: "Trail biking is a common problem, not only at Scout Moor, but on our moorland estates throughout the South Pennines. These people are churning up the countryside, damaging fences and injuring and killing livestock. It’s only a matter of time until a walker is seriously hurt.From a water quality point of view, ripping up the land can affect the purity of the water which flows down the hillside and into the reservoir and whatever goes in has to be taken out by treatment.That is why we are working with the police on this initiative."

Kieran Tames of Scout Moor Windfarm said: "The development of Scout Moor has led to better access to the moor for local people, the majority of which are delighted with the benefits this brings.There will always be a small minority who abuse the new improved access across the moor but there is 24-hour security at the site working with the local police to combat the use of illegal off-road vehicles on Scout Moor."