Illegal motorcycling has returned to a nature reserve on the edge of Ipswich – bringing “hell on wheels” to people living nearby.

East Anglian Daily Times: The area is home to frogs and toads and other aquatic plants and animals. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARYThe area is home to frogs and toads and other aquatic plants and animals. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY

Bobbits Lane in Wherstead had been a popular spot for scrambler racing until a crackdown by police and community leaders brought it to an end several years ago.

Now residents say the menace has returned, with scores of riders hurtling along paths and bridleways in the nature reserve every weekend, leading to noise complaints and concerns over public safety.

Christopher Hudson, who represents the Belstead Brook division at Suffolk County Council, heard about the problem from members of the public attending a recent parish meeting.

“Innocent residents are suffering ‘hell on wheels’ from this needless illegal activity on a Sunday morning,” he said.

“It must stop.”

Mr Hudson said the racing was also “ravaging” wildlife and rural footpaths in Belstead Brook Park, which is supported by the Greenways Countryside Project.

Cari Hodkinson, clerk to Wherstead Parish Council, which has received complaints over the noise from members of the public, said scrambler riders had been using Bobbits lane for many years.

“It’s always been known as the place to go, people come from all over the place, from London, from Norwich, all over,” she said.

“A few years ago people from Greenways, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk police, Ipswich Borough Council and the landowner got together to do something about it, because it was happening every weekend.

“It was very noisy and people also found the bikers could be a bit intimidating.

“They managed to get it stopped but recently it’s come back the same as it was before.”

People living in the village are said to have reported the problem to police but want to see more action taken.

Greenways said on its website that the site is “vitally important” for wildlife and “perfect for leisurely strolls”.

“In a relatively small area there are a vast range of habitats and rare and protected species including dormice, otters, bats, water voles, reptiles, kingfishers and bluebells,” it adds.

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