A SCHEME targeting illegal and anti-social motorbike riders has kicked off in Ellesmere Port & Neston.

Borough police are taking a no-nonsense approach towards the minority who make people's lives a misery with their inconsiderate riding.

Cash from the Western division's police and community safety partnerships is fuelling the campaign, which is backed by the Home Office.

This money is being used to buy off-road police bikes, train and kit riders and put officers on the streets at key times.

On top of this, officers will have the power to seize bikes from offenders, and arrest and issue fixed penalty notices if required. In the worst cases, ASBOs can be applied for.

Superintendent Paul McHugh said: 'It is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. We don't want to spoil people's fun but the fact is bikes are being used illegally and dangerously.

'We don't want to tell a parent their child has been seriously injured in an accident. If we can avoid this by taking bikes off the streets and penalising problem riders, then so be it.'

Trading Standards officers are working with garages to highlight the consequences of selling fuel to kids.

Supt McHugh added: 'Mini-motos and scooters are the same as any other motorbike in legal terms and they require tax, insurance and MoT.

'The rider must have a valid licence, which means motorbikes of all types are totally off-limits to anyone under 16.

'If a rider doesn't have any of the relevant cover, they cannot use the vehicle in any public place.

'The only place they can be ridden without cover and licence is on private land with the permission of the landowner.'