Six officers tackled the problem of off-road motorbikes and quad bikes.

Nine people were issued with a formal warning under the Police Reform Act, which gives officers the power to seize vehicles causing a nuisance.

The operation came after 30 complaints about problems with bikers using public footpaths, the footbridge and fields next to the A6 bypass.

Evidence was compiled and verbal warnings were issued at the site earlier in the month.

'Untaxed and uninsured'

Beat officer PC Jas Sidhu said the bikers were causing a "general nuisance" on Saturdays and Sundays.

He said: "Land was being churned up and bikes were being used on footpaths used by the public, causing a danger to them.

He said some of the vehicles were also untaxed and not insured.

The bikers issued with tickets were told if they were found using the land again the police would seize their vehicles.

Insp Adrian Gascoyne, in charge of Merrill section, said: "My officers will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action."