FEARS that the illegal riding of motorbikes across off-road land in Whitehill and Bordon will continue unless a legal facility is set up, have been raised.

Roger Russell, from the Redhouse Mobile Home Park in Hogmoor Road, has been working to secure an off-road motorbike track in the area, but with little success.

He said: "It is very hard to find enough land and then get the correct level of insurance to allow legal motorbike riding - especially in Bordon, where the amount of open space is quite restricted.

"But the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has great stretches of open land and for years people have been riding across it. I'm not condoning that kind of behaviour and it is obviously quite dangerous, but if there's nowhere else to go, then it'll carry on happening.

"There is absolutely nothing for the young people in Whitehill and Bordon to do, and so it's no surprise that there are people riding across privately owned land.

"The fact that there are so many keen motorbike riders in the town shows a real need for the proper facilities in the area.

"But there simply isn't and people will continue to ride across areas that are illegal. It is quite dangerous, especially now that motorbikes are getting cheaper and more readily available. It is possible for youngsters to buy motorbikes now for just a couple of hundred pounds, which is a lot less than they used to be. People are buying bikes and don't have the experience they need.

"We know that the police and MoD are working together to stop the use of the land by motorbikes, but I can't see that it will be fully effective. I think the only solution is to campaign for a proper facility. We need an area where kids can go, be in a safe environment and learn how to ride safely."

A potentially fatal collision between an illegal motorbike rider and an armoured vehicle at the Hogmoor Training Camp last month, prompted the call for a legal and safe area.

Lt Col Andy Westcott, from Bordon, said: "Illegal use of motorbikes across the land is a common problem, and it is my fear that one day one of these bikers will crash into someone out walking. 

"Unauthorised motorcycling on the Defence Estates is illegal because of the potential damage caused to habitats and wildlife which are protected by European habitats legislation, and also because of the possibility of accidents. In times of high-pressure operations, this incident was a most unwelcome interruption and a delay in very important Army training."

Hampshire county councillor for Whitehill and Bordon Adam Carew said: "The trouble is that for all the people who want to ride motorbikes legitimately and legally, there are a few people who want to bypass the laws. We have been looking at possible sites to set up an off-road track, but it is proving very difficult. And there are serious complications with the level of insurance needed. But I do think having the proper facilities would really improve the situation."