NUISANCE motorcyclists are wreaking havoc in a quiet community. Teenagers hare across farmland and footpaths on the Hoo Peninsula, near Strood, on roaring trail bikes.

Until they are caught in the act, Medway Police are powerless to do anything - but they are encouraging residents to ring the motorcycle hotline and report outlandish behaviour.

Parish councillors across the peninsula are fed up with the youngsters vandalising land and property. They have even printed the hotline number in the parish magazine, The New Scene.

Val Wells, vice-chairman of the Stoke parish council, said nuisance motorcyclists had always been a problem. “They haven’t been causing problems in Upper Stoke but mainly in Lower Stoke. They drive across farmland, tearing it up, and even race along footpaths.

“Now they are starting to race around, with one knee on the floor, along the A228,” she said.

Mrs Wells believes some people are afraid to report the bikers for fear of reprisals. She said: “There are some people who are frightened and the police can’t do anything unless the bikers are actually caught in the act. That is why we need to report them.”

To report motorcyclists who are being a menace contact Medway police on 01634 827055 or ring the hotline on 01634 884178.