Police are backing a campaign by The Argus to crack down on the mini-moto menace by targeting rogue riders at a beauty spot.

One illegal moto-cyclist had his bike seized after he repeatedly ignored previous warnings.

Police issued 13 new warnings to other motorbike owners who descend on Toads Hole Valley at the weekend.

Despite the initiative residents in nearby Downland Valley and Burwash Road said riders were back again on Wednesday night.

Police received complaints about noise from riders who ignore warning signs no to go onto the privately-owned land.

There were also calls about mini-moto bikes causing disturbance in Valley Road and Stonery Road, Portslade.

Sgt Richard Delacour said: "We have started Operation Toads Hole Valley as a result of complaints from residents and councillors.

"We have seized one mini-moto and issued warnings to 13 other owners under Section 39 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

"We will continue the operation throughout the summer and have off-road police motorcycles available for the task.

"The land is privately owned and is supposed to be part of an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"Motorbike owners see the tracks left on the hillside by other riders and think it is an official site. It isn't.

"The land owner has put up warning signs saying it is private land and motorbikes are not allowed.

"They get taken down but he has agreed to replace them when necessary.

"There are sites where off-road bikes can be taken legally such as the Golding Barn Raceway at Small Dole near Bramber."

Hundreds of readers have backed a campaign by The Argus to end the mini-moto menace and some called for an outright ban.

Residents across Sussex say their lives are blighted by yobs of all ages riding machines at 60mph on streets and in public parks.

Hangleton councillor Dawn Barnet backed our campaign and has launched a petition against the bikes.

She said: "I am glad the police had a crackdown at the weekend.

"I am just sorry they did not sieze more motorbikes because the same people use Toads Hole Valley every weekend.

"Many of them are not local and come down from London to ride there.

"There were more bikes up there again on Wednesday night causing noise and disturbance for residents."

Coun Barnett said she wanted to see an official site found in Brighton and Hove which riders would be charged to use.

She has also called for the land owner to take out private prosecutions against motorbike owners who trespass on the site.

Georgette Durrant, 80, has lived in Downland Drive for 21 years.

She said:"It is not so bad here during the week but on Saturday and Sunday they come with vans and unload the bikes.

"Last weekend there were 12 of them going up and down the valley.

"I am pleased the police have started seizing their motorbikes.

"It is alright if there are just one or two but if there are a dozen of them you don't get any peace.

"Even with all the doors and windows shut you can still hear all the noise."

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