A local councillor has become the scourge of off-road motorbikers causing anti-social behaviour around Coalville.

District Councillor for Ellistown and Battleflat, and Chairman of the local parish council, Keith Merrie, has been campaigning for months to stop off-road bikers disturbing the peace and quiet in the village at 'Ellistown Flats' - a disused part of the former Ellistown Pit site which is highly regarded by local residents and dog walkers.

Councillor Merrie has been gathering evidence to be passed on to Leicestershire Police, and making regular representations to try and resolve the issue.

Keith's determination certainly paid off with local police first installing warning signs and then visiting the area, resulting in the issuing of section 59 notices for careless driving and the confiscation of one bike which came back as stolen when the police ran a check.

But Councillor Merrie says it is a constant battle: "It's not just the residents of Ellistown who are concerned, I am being contacted by residents from Hugglescote who have provided photographs of damage to footpaths and are concerned for their safety whilst out walking.

"Inconsiderate bikers have created multiple entry points into the area by damaging fencing and trees causing a great deal of damage.

"The police are doing a good job but cannot be at every location to stop this.

"It's not just this land either it is happening all over the district.

"I am absolutely committed to working with housing developers to try to block off the entry points.

"We need to take a multi-agency approach to find a solution to this problem and maybe there is suitable land that can be used by the bikers in a safe and controlled way – but we cannot and should not just ignore the problem."