Moves to stop motorcyclists causing a nuisance at a Witham nature reserve are not working.

The Whetmead reserve in Blackwater Lane, a rubbish tip until 20 years ago, is an important habitat for rough grasses and pond life.

But off-road motorcyclists are continuing to churn up the ground by riding around on their bikes making it hard for plants to take root.

Helen Pitchforth, district councillor for Witham central, said it has been a problem for many years and urgent action needs to be taken.

"Steps at the end of the reserve have been damaged and the motorcyclists are still tearing up the ground."

Negotiations are still being carried out to transfer ownership and responsibility of the land from Braintree Council to Witham Town Council and it is hoped the deal will be completed by the autumn.

Peter Crofts, head of planning services for Braintree Council, said: "The difficulty we've got is we cannot put up barriers in an area that's open to the public."

Published Friday August 9, 2002

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