TWENTY-one people were given written warning notices during a crackdown on illegal off-road bikers in the Valleys.

The operation by police and Caerphilly council, at Wyllie tip, near Ynysddu, and Pontbren in Newbridge, was said to have been very successful.

During the two-day enforcement, 21 referrals for anti-social behaviour orders were also given out. Bikers who receive a second Section 59 warning notice within 12 months can have their bikes seized by police - and have to pay £100 for it to be released. Police also have the power to destroy bikes.

During the operation last weekend, Forestry Commission workers and countryside wardens were accompanied by police officers recording any illegal behaviour on video. Residents in the area have raised concerns about noise and grass being churned up and turned into "quagmires" by illegal biking.

Ynysddu councillor Jan Jones welcomed the operation, saying it was an "on-going problem".

"They go up the Sirhowy Valley Walk to get to the mountain and that is a cyclepath that is also used by dog walkers and it is very dangerous," she said.

"It is more of a problem in Ynysddu and Cwmfelinfach than Wyllie - residents say the noise drones on and on all afternoon. It is a difficult situation, finding somewhere the bikers can go to enjoy their sport without bothering other people."

Inspector Mike Fleming, of Blackwood Police Station, said there was a reduction in the number of complaints about people illegally off-road biking.

"I am extremely happy with the results and the positive effect these enforcement operations are having," he said. "It is our intention to run similar operations across the county borough in the near future, while continuing to tackle this issue."

Chairman of the Caerphilly county borough safety partnership Councillor Paul Ford, said: "This sort of anti-social activity can ruin people's enjoyment of the countryside. We are determined to carry on clamping down on the perpetrators.

"We will also be looking to work with responsible 'off-roaders' to provide facilities for those who enjoy this recreational activity which is very popular now."

Bryan Puckett, Wales regional officer for the Autocycling Union, said illegal off-roading gave his sport a bad name. He said: "It has been getting steadily worse for the last 20 years. Caerphilly needs a community track where people can enjoy their bikes in a safe environment."