The battle against illegal motorcycles in Harefield seems to be turning in the police's favour after seven vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

The noise from youngsters riding bikes in the village, often round housing estates, had plagued residents for months and they are pleased that police have acted to stop the menace.

Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of Harefield Tenants' and Residents' Association said: "The problem hasn't gone away completely but we have noticed it has got much better.

"We suffered it for months. "The bikes were very noisy driving round the streets and up and down the ramps.

"Also they have ridden their bikes over Taylors Meadow where they raced around, churning up the ground.

"We had a stile put up to stop them getting through but it only lasted a day. And to cap it all, it was then physically chopped down.

"Of course the other worry we had is what would happen if they injure someone if they're not taxed and insured."

Paul Schewring, who lives near the Green, said the biggest danger from motorbikes is when they drive into Harefield and do not take any notice of the 20mph speed limit in the village.

He said: "Some of them take their bikes on to the cornfield at Langley Farm, off Breakspear Road South.

"They are only kids and are not doing much harm but they're not doing the field much good.

"Also the noise must be very annoying for those living nearby."

Harefield's police sergeant Alan Moore said his Safer Neighbourhood team had done a good job and they were keeping an eye on the situation.

Mr Moore said: "We have seized bikes which were used on public land and are not roadworthy.

"They are taken to our recovery unit and only returned if the owner can prove the bike has been insured.

"A fine, usually around £100, has to be paid too.

"The number of calls regarding motorbikes has reduced dramatically since we clamped down."

* Harefield Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 0208 721 2544.