FOR YEARS, teenagers tearing around streets and fields on motorbikes near an Oxford estate have caused headaches for householders.

But thanks to a scheme involving a £70 trailer bought from eBay, police think they may have finally solved the problem.

According to the Barton neighbourhood police team, residents have been complaining about noise and antisocial behaviour involving the mini motorbikes for years.

Each summer, teenagers have practised in the streets near to Neighbourhood Centre, in Underhill Circus, and on land close to Sandhills Primary School.

But since police bought the motorbike trailer, in June, they claim the problem has almost disappeared.

For a £5 refundable deposit, bikers can transport their mini motorbikes to the specially designed Eynsham Practice Track eight miles away.

Sgt Jim Holmes said that at the height of the problem, his team seized and crushed one mini motorbike and served three warnings on other bike users.

He added: “A lot of the kids just want to learn how to use their bikes and 99 per cent of them have got all the safety equipment and helmets. They just needed somewhere to go.”

Police, in conjunction with Barton Community Association (BCA), which has its own minibus, are now planning to set up a group for parents and children who want to take their bikes to the Eynsham track.

Sgt Holmes added: “After we bought the trailer we received feedback from children and parents who say they don’t have towbars on their cars to use the trailer.

“So we’re now working with BCA to set up a group for young motorbike users and their parents, so they can ride their bikes safely and legally.”

BCA secretary Sue Holden said she hoped families would make the most of the scheme.

She said: “This is exactly what the minibus is for.

“It’s about giving people the chance to do something they might not normally be able to do.”

One Barton resident, who did not wish to be named, said the police had reached ‘legendary’ status in their house for sorting out the problems.

He said: “Two or three nights a week and every Sunday from about 8am, we could hear these bikes tearing around.

“Police get a lot of bad press, but credit where it is due, they really have sorted this out.”