ILLEGAL bikers causing havoc and ‘scaring’ communities will be dealt with thanks to a new scheme which has seen Barnsley Council join forces with South Yorkshire Police.

Attempts to end the scourge of off-road biking - something which police bosses said impacts the entirety of the borough - will see a tougher stance taken on offenders in an effort to make them think twice about their antisocial behaviour.

Following a meeting earlier this month, council bosses confirmed that a new group has been formed - headed by a police inspector and a senior council officer - to plan action days and share intelligence on hotspots and offenders.

Councillor Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We’re committed to tackling antisocial behaviour in Barnsley, helping to make our borough and communities a safer place for everyone.

“This includes the problems caused by off-road bikes and vehicles, recognising the distress and damage they can cause in our communities.

“We’re working closely with South Yorkshire Police to be proactive in addressing this issue, seizing illegal off-road vehicles during joint operations and dedicating wardens to better understanding and stopping this behaviour before it starts.

“We’re listening to local people’s concerns and we want to do everything we can to tackle this issue head-on.

“That’s why we’ve recently introduced a new strategic group looking at off-road biking, combining the expertise of our Safer Communities teams and South Yorkshire Police to improve information sharing, plan targeted interventions and solve problems together.

“These issues cause worry to many in our community.

“Because we’ve had so many complaints from local people and South Yorkshire Police, we have now wardens focused on tackling this problem.

“Their job is to gather better information about who is causing issues, work closely with the police and take action to stop the behaviour before it starts.

“We know off-road bikes can make people feel scared, cause damage and disturb neighbourhoods.

“We want to do everything we can to reduce this.

“To help with that, we have set up a special off-road nuisance group in Barnsley.

“This group helps everyone share information and solve problems together.

“All of these steps mean we’re taking a stronger, more proactive approach to protecting our communities.”

Coun Cain confirmed that moving forward, area councils will receive updates from the group about the work taking place across the numerous wards in Barnsley.

The Kendray area of the town is one of those areas affected by off-road bikers.

Couns Karen Dyson, Ian Shirt and Paul Murray have all praised the additional work going into support the community.

Coun Dyson told the Chronicle: “There was recently a bad accident on Farm Road.

“We’ve been in contact with Inspector Rebecca Richardson and the police are doing some really good work in Kendray and the surrounding areas.

“It’s excellent.

“Antisocial off-road bikers are a real blight on the community.

“I hope the police and council continue to work together and get the results.

“It’s doing all sorts of damage to the parks.

“But it’s really good that a lot is happening to try and solve the issue.”