A CRACKDOWN is continuing by police after complaints of off-road motorcycles causing havoc on footpaths and playing fields.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported last week yobs on off-road bikes had been recklessly speeding, racing one another and performing wheelies on roads and pavements in Padiham.

One area highlighted was along the Greenway and police have been cracking down on offenders and extra patrols have been added.

Police said at the weekend one perpetrator ended up slipping on one of the grass verges and was caught by an officer.

The moped was seized by the police and taken away with the suspect being reported for summons for motoring offences, police said.

A spokesman for Burnley and Padiham police said: "While we acknowledge that there are still other offenders doing the same in the area with no thought for the safety of anyone, including children and disabled people who use the Greenway, at least one has now been stopped.

"The local police team will continue to work towards combating the problem.

"Don't let the few spoil it for the majority of decent residents in the area."

In recent weeks tyre tracks had been spotted by residents, thought to have been caused by riders.

Police said 'extra attention' has been paid to the area and surrounding streets which will be maintained.

Cllr Ken Buckley, mayor of Padiham Town Council, said police are getting the matter under control.

He said: "Since we had a meeting with them, police have been on it.

"They have been doing their job.

"It seems to be dying off and it is under control.

"It had been happening on Fennyfold playing fields but that seems to have stopped now."

Previously calls had been made by residents for more CCTV to crackdown on the problem.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.

Alternatively people can contact crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.