MOTOCROSS racing problems have “come back with a vengence” in Tockholes, according to a councillor who helped ban the sport on farmland seven years ago.

Councillor Jean Rigby said residents living near Shaws Farm, off Stockclough Lane, have had to endure six weeks of “unbearable” noise from the vehicles being ridden on farmland, and now the matter has been passed to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

In 2004, the council was successful in stopping then farm owner Peter Gombos, from allowing the land to be used as a motocross centre, because of nuissance to neighbours.

Coun Rigby said: “All of a sudden, it’s started up again and residents tell me that the noise is unbearable.

“Tockholes is in a valley and so the noise of the bikes sweeps across, with some days better than others.

“Tockholes is a very beautiful place and people have worked hard, and continue to work hard to buy houses here and maintain them. They are attracted by the quiet, rural nature of the area, and they deserve to be able to sit in the garden at weekends without this disturbance.

“It is being trashed by people who apparently don’t seem to give a monkeys.”

Brian Bailey, director of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We have received some complaints and are looking into them.”

The owners of Shaws Farm were unavailable for comment yesterday.