SCRAMBLER biker riders are putting motorists at risk by cutting fencing leading to a main road near woodland in East Lancashire.

Countryside officials have been repeatedly called out to reports that wires have been cutting behind Hameldon Wood, and Cronker and Barley Green woods, at Hapton.

And county council bosses fear when cattle breach the gap, they could wander out onto the A679 Burnley Road and cause a major incident.

Horse riders have been temporarily unable to use the woods, as a stile has been blocked up near the roadside entrance.

Plans are now in place for a self-closing bridle gate, which can be used by riders but ensure cattle cannot escape.

Keen walker John Millar, 43, said: "It comes to something when they have to put up these notices when people should be using their common sense.

"The riders aren't thinking of anyone else but themselves and while it's a headache for some, it's understandable."

Tim Blythe, Lancashire County Council's countryside service manager, said: "There is an ongoing problem with some people who own scrambler motorcycles illegally accessing the moorland behind Hameldon Wood by repeatedly cutting a wire fence.

"The fence is in place to contain cattle belonging to a number of farmers who exercise their right to graze cattle on the moor. This allows the cattle into the wood, and potentially out onto the A679 Burnley Road, which could cause a serious traffic incident."

Bikers have even been riding over two 'railway sleeper' bars, placed at ground level beside the stile, which are supposed to deter vehicles.

Mr Blythe added: "Unfortunately this means that horse riders can't currently access Hameldon Wood.

"But our priority has to be to contain the cattle, and we're grateful for the understanding that has been shown by local horse riders.

"We are proposing to replace the stile with a self-closing bridle gate which will restore access for horse riders but ensure cattle can't escape onto the road.

"We have recently put up signs to inform people who are visiting the wood of the issue, and explain why we have blocked the gap beside the stile."