Developers are being asked to take urgent action to prevent bikers tearing up a beauty spot.

People living near picturesque Toads Hole Valley in Hove say scramblers should get their own track to stop them damaging it.

Their call comes after youths again started illegally using land in Hangleton.

The land, owned by developers Cooks, is a haven for wildlife and an official site of scientific interest.

Cooks took action last year to ban the scramblers after complaints from residents.

Ditches were dug to prevent access and warning signs were put up telling them to keep out.

But recently, they got back on to the grassland which now bears heavy scarring from the bikes.

Residents have presented a diary of the bikers' activities to Ivor Caplin, Labour election candidate for Hove.

He has written to Cooks asking them to take urgent action to protect the land.

And he is offering to organise a meeting between the bikers, residents, Cooks and Brighton and Hove City Council to resolve the problem.

He said: "We can get together and see what the bikers' needs are and decide if there is anywhere suitable."

Nita Loveday, of Downland Drive, Hangleton, said: "They returned a couple of months ago. They park their trailers in the lay-by on the bypass and then bring their bikes into the valley.

"At first there were just one or two but now we get as many as ten at once."

Ann Noble, of King George VI Drive, on the other side of the valley, said: "The noise they make is terrible. You can't leave your windows open or enjoy your garden while they are there.

"I kept a diary of the number and the times they are there as evidence to give to the council.

"We have even had a quad bike up here. The damage they are causing to the valley is terrible."

Neighbour Eric Blunden said: "There is only one way to stop them using the land.

"That is to persuade the landowner to deep plough it so they cannot ride on it."

A city council spokeswoman said: "Environmental services and the police are already in discussions with the landowner.

"A meeting is planned with the landowner in the very near future to try to get this situation resolved."

No one from from Cooks was available for comment.