Mountain bikers have cleared trees in a nature reserve to create a “makeshift” track with “potentially dangerous” jumps, a council has said.
The tracks are in Wild Park which is part of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Hollingbury Wild Park local nature reserve.
Trees were cleared without permission, and the move has been condemned by the council, which says the tracks can put bikers “at risk”.
It comes as signs threatening prosecution for mountain biking were spotted near the tracks.
The yellow signs read: “No mountain biking.
“Mountain biking in this area poses a health and safety risk and can cause environmental damage.
“Anyone riding a mountain bike in this area is trespassing and may be prosecuted.”
Councillor Tim Rowkins, chairman of the council’s city environment, South Downs and the sea committee, said: “Wild Park is part of the Hollingbury Wild Park Local Nature Reserve.
“A number of individuals have recently been clearing trees without our permission in order to create a makeshift bike track that includes potentially dangerous jumps.
“These may be used by children or inexperienced riders, putting their safety at risk – which of course we want to avoid.
“Signs were installed earlier this year, and we are reviewing their content and location.”
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