IN response to the police warning to off-road motorbikers on Hameldon Hill, I have reported this problem to councils several times over the years.

I have even confronted the bikers but generally get a response that they were doing no harm even when they were climbing over wooden barriers with their bikes.

Some of the footpaths are in horrendous condition as a result of the bikers. In fact, on one occasion a councillor from the area voiced sympathy that they had nowhere to go.

I have nothing against the ‘hobby’ but it should be carried out with landowners’ permission and not on footpaths.

Horse riders and mountain bikers should also consider the law – they are OK on bridleways but not footpaths. In fact, there is a cycle path recently set up in this area.

The Great Hameldon Hill race for runners has been in existence for 35 years and in recent years some of the route has been destroyed by these people. This year’s race is on Sunday, May 4.

Paul Healey, Accrington.