MOTHERS say their children will be heartbroken if they are banned from driving quad-bikes in Philips Park, Whitefield.

They claim that the activity is harmless and that any danger would be to the youngsters themselves, not walkers or horse riders using the historic Whitefield park.

As reported last week, nature lovers are outraged that the area is being used as an illegal race track. They warned that an accident would happen and complained that paths were being ripped up and shrubbery destroyed.

But Miss Beverley Whitworth, of Heys Road, Prestwich, has now hit out at the allegations and said the bikers were "considerate" and "not doing any harm".

Her daughters Justine (11), and Megan (6), use quad-bikes in the park and she said: "There are ten children who go on these bikes on a Sunday and through the week during the school holidays. They are not disrespectful in any way when they go out on them.

"They take picnic lunches and you never find a bit of litter when they have gone. They always stop to let people past."

She denied that the youngsters were doing anything illegal and added: "No one has ever told them to get off the bikes. They have never been approached except for people who stop and tell them that it looks absolutely brilliant. I want people to know that they are not doing any harm

"There's nothing else for them to do and it keeps them occupied. I would like anybody to come up with an activity for my kids three times a week that doesn't cost anything, that keeps them safe and isn't a long walking distance away.

"That's a challenge I don't think anyone could come up with an answer for."

Miss Samantha Massey, of Carr Clough, Prestwich, also defended her daughter Chelsea who bikes in the park: "It's excellent and they absolutely love it, it is all they talk about. It gives us a break as well and it is all the children have got.

"We know they are safe and they are having fun. We are not bad parents, it is just safe fun for the kids. If they had to stop they would be very upset but they would stop doing it."

Mr Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, has been inundated with complaints about illegal quad-biking. He is arranging a meeting with the police, Bury Council and wildlife groups to improve security since the Greater Manchester Police off-road motorcycle unit was disbanded in February.

"We have got to find a solution. At the moment it is not acceptable and the only way we can resolve it is by bringing all these groups together.

"It may be an issue that the young people say they have nowhere else to go. But the point is that if it is having a detrimental effect, which it is, then it must be stopped."

A meeting was also held last week between council bosses and the police and Coun Warren Flood said: "Police are aware that there is problem in Philips Park with people driving quad-bikes at members of the public. People who have a problem are being asked to contact the police."

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