A problem blighting dozens of communities across Greater Manchester, including in Bury, is to be the subject of "decisive steps" by the police.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that a specialist off road bike unit will be re-established for the region in the coming weeks to address off-road motorcycle anti-social behaviour and related crime.

In a letter to councillors in neighbouring Bolton who recently debated a motion on the issue, a spokesman for GMP’s specialist operations branch gave an update.

They said: “The specialist operations branch is taking decisive steps to address off-road motorcycle anti-social behaviour and related crime.

“In the coming weeks, a dedicated unit will be launched to tackle this problem head-on.

“This unit will operate on an intelligence-led basis, utilising regular analysis of data and trends to effectively deploy resources across Greater Manchester.

“Rest assured, the re-establishment of this specialised unit underscores our commitment to tackling the persistent problems caused by off-road bikes.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, as well as protecting our green spaces and local amenities from damage.”

Some illegal off-road bikers face having their bikes seized, or even crushed.

The problem has been persistent in the east of Bolton in the Breightmet and Little Lever areas.

Sharing the letter from GMP, Breightmet councillor Sean Fielding, said: “The specialist team had been disestablished some years ago due to the cuts.

“The new will be deployed on an “intelligence-led” basis and so please report them to the non-emergency channels when you see them, so that Breightmet and Blackshaw comes up on the heat map of where to send it.”