YOUR award-winning Comet has been given a pat on the back by police for putting the brake on young bikers who had brought misery to country residents. Two weeks ago we highlighted the problem of teen bikers riding on private land at the sand hills between

YOUR award-winning Comet has been given a pat on the back by police for putting the brake on young bikers who had brought misery to country residents.

Two weeks ago we highlighted the problem of teen bikers riding on private land at the sand hills between Everton and Sandy and land close to the hamlet of Deepdale.

Police went to the area and spoke to many youngsters, who had been driven to the sites by parents, and warned them if they were caught again their bikes would be confiscated and could be crushed.

Police used 4x4 off-road vehicles to monitor the dirt-track culprits after numerous complaints from residents who had become fed up with the constant noise of the bikes, especially at weekends.

It was the story warning that bikes might be crushed and youngsters losing their expensive toys that almost certainly, say police, had a big impact on bikers now staying at home.

Those who had not already come into contact with police at the sand hills certainly got the message when they read The Comet, according to Potton beat manager Pc Ross Patterson.

"The story was a great help in us getting our message across especially to those bikers we had never spoken to and still rode at the sand hills. Since the story appeared in The Comet the sand hills have been quiet and we haven't had any more complaints," said Pc Patterson.

"Obviously those reading the story, who would normally be riding their bikes in the area, now fear losing their bikes. Parents who read the story are also equally worried about taking their kids and their bikes there.

"We had been working in the area for some time to sort the problem out and one story in The Comet has got rid of our headache for the time being at least.