People living near a beauty spot have told how their lives are being ruined by gangs of noisy off-road bikers.

Once a haven for dog walkers and picnicking families, people living near Toads Hole Valley say it is being turned into an illegal racecourse every weekend.

Residents in nearby Downland Drive and Burwash Road in Hangleton say they become "prisoners in their own homes" when dozens of motorcyclists descend on the valley.

The Argus is campaigning to eradicate the menace of rogue mini-motorbike riders who flout the law.

We have joined forces with Hove Labour MP Celia Barlow to call for legislation surrounding mini-motorcycles to be tightened.

Householders around Toads Hole Valley fear someone will be killed if no action is taken to stop the bikers, who reportedly come from as far away as Eastbourne, Croydon and Haywards Heath.

Hangleton councillor Dawn Barnett has launched a petition calling for action to be taken.

She said: "These people are turning up in huge vans with their bikes in the back early in the morning. Then they spend all day tearing across the valley.

"It has got to the point where it is not safe to let the kids out any more because the valley is like a racecourse. There is a sign up there that says no bikes but it is just ignored and no-one is doing anything about it.

"If nothing is done someone will die, whether it is one of the bikers or an innocent child they run over."

The problem dates back years. In 2000, land owners Cook Estates dug deep ditches around the valley to stop bikers getting on to the land.

But residents say it has got worse as sales of mini-motorbikes rocket and fear that as the days get longer and the weather improves more and more bikers will descend on the well-known beauty spot.

Linda Clark, 53, of Burwash Road, said: "It's a nightmare and it is getting worse. All weekend from dawn til dusk they are out there and it is only going to get worse as the weather improves. You can't open your windows because there is a constant drone of the engines. It's like being a prisoner in your own home and people have had enough."

Viv Sayers, 60, of Downland Crescent, said: "It's not just the families who this is affecting. Toads Hole Valley is a haven for wildlife. We've got foxes, rabbits and all sorts up there but the whole valley is being destroyed.

"I used to take my dogs up there in the morning but it is just too dangerous these days. I've been missed by inches by some of these motorbikes."

Mrs Barlow has received a string of complaints from residents concerned by youths tearing around streets and parks, often late at night.

The vehicles may look like toys, but they can reach speeds of up to 60mph, presenting a serious threat to the public as well as creating a noisy nuisance.

Last week in the House of Commons Ms Barlow backed a Private Members' Bill which would require all off-road motorbikes to be registered.

The MP said: "They can go very fast and the noise is dreadful. It can make people's lives a misery."

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