MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts have geared up to voice their anger at claims they are causing trouble.

Scrambler fans say motorcycling on Portland keeps the young people out of mischief and they believe the sport should be supported.

The Echo reported that police were clamping down on nuisance youths causing havoc in island quarries, riding on footpaths and causing a disturbance.

Traffic officers armed with new legislation to confiscate motorcycles are using off-road bikes to catch offenders.

Now supporters of the newly-formed Portland Motorcycle Club want to have their say.

The disused Kingbarrow quarry behind Portland Heights Hotel has been popular with bikers for 30 years.

There was a formal agreement to use the site for scramblers in the 1980s when the youth club got involved but this lapsed. The quarry has been informally used by bikers ever since and the site owners have never objected.

Now a plan could turn the quarry, already Site of Special Scientific Interest, into a nature reserve - a move which could block access for motorcyclists.

Club members use the quarry to practice for motocross competitions and believe Kingbarrow is ideal because it is away from homes and cliff edges.

Chairman Mike Laming, 40, from Wakeham, whose sons Grant, 13, and Niall, 12, ride, accepts a few people may cause trouble in the quarry but says police should not tar all bikers with the same brush.

Mr Lamming said most riders took their bikes to the site on trailers and avoided footpaths.

Younger enthusiasts include four-year-old Jacob Boyle and his sister Lauren, two.

Mr Laming said: "The club was formed to find a suitable venue for scrambling. We believe Kingbarrow is a sensible spot but we'd have to look elsewhere if we can't share the quarry with a nature reserve.

"We'd like to create a proper area for riding that is properly marshalled. "Some of these young people are really serious about scrambling. The bikes cost anything up to £4,000."

Committee member Alan Pennington, 40, from Wakeham, whose sons Lee, 17, Carl, 14, and Dean 12, are also enthusiasts, said: "We live in a beautiful part of the country but the kids still need their entertainment.

"Motorcycling acts as a grip on the young people because if they weren't doing this they would be getting into all sorts of trouble."

John Nash, 56, from Southwell, whose 17-year-old son Daniel rides a scrambler, said: "There's nothing else for the kids to do. They love riding on their motorbikes and it keeps them out of trouble.

"Portland is being taken over by nature sites. Very soon the kids won't be able to ride anywhere." Island community worker Rachel Barton has arranged a public meeting at the Blues Club in Grove Road on Tuesday September 2 at 7pm.

Police, South Dorset MP Jim Knight, wildlife groups and councillors will discuss with club members the implications of SSSI designations and the future of scrambling on Portland.

Portland police chief Insp Tony Rudd is unable to attend but said people can contact him on 01305 226620.