A DOWNHEARTED scramble-biker says he is selling his machine because he has nowhere to ride it without a backlash of complaints.

And enthusiast Devron Wood today defended fellow scramblers and hit back at critics who have attacked them for causing noise and damaging the countryside.

Devron said he was speaking on behalf of about 15 bikers who used to meet at several countryside spots in Hyndburn, including The Coppice, Accrington, on the disused railway lines between Accrington and Rising Bridge and at Black Moss near the A56.

They were forced off the land following a flood of complaints from nearby residents and walkers. Police have also warned the scramblers on several occasions that if caught they would be prosecuted, as they often do not have permission and it is an offence to drive anywhere other than a road.

But Devron, 23, of Scott Avenue, Baxenden, said he and fellow scramblers now had nowhere to go.

They claim they are even being forced off land where the landowners have given their permission to ride because of complaints.

There are special tracks and scramble-biking groups but Devron says the nearest is in Bury, and it costs £48 to join and £15 a session, without the transport costs to get there.

They are hoping to find somewhere in Hyndburn where they can scramble, set up tracks and jumps, without causing annoyance.

Devron said: "We understand why people complain because the bikes are noisy but at the same time they are our hobby.

"People say we churn up the ground but the paths we ride on have usually been made by walkers and ramblers and we cause no damage."

He added: "It at least keeps us from meeting on street corners."

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