BIKERS are disturbing terminally ill patients at St David’s hospice in Malpas by riding motorbikes up and down in the field outside.

People ride the problem dirt bikes along the canal from Bettws to Malpas and back doing wheelies and careering close to dog walkers, police say.

But officers say they are now cracking down and along with the council have installed five kissing gates and fencing around the field next to the canal meaning bikers can no longer speed through and disturb local residents.

Community Support Officer Stephen Metcalfe-Davies, who led the project along with Malpas councillor Jane Mudd, said it was important as a lot of pensioners and families with young children live in the area. Swans nest near the canal and other wildlife rely on the waterway and field for their habitat.

After two years of planning, Rankine Close, Marconi Close, Penny Crescent, Boyle Close and Mill Hearth footpath are now gated off as well as at a bridge over the canal.

The plan is starting to work already, he claimed. “People are really pleased and have seen a huge difference. With this weather there are usually people flying about by now but we have kids playing in the field enjoying it.”

St David’s hospice in Malpas has beds available for people with conditions such as a cancer and motor neurone disease.

Adian Hadley, deputy chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “When you have patients here it’s not very nice to have motorcyclists going nuts for hours. "It obviously affects the patients. On nice days if motorcyclists are around they tend to stay indoors rather than go outside in the sun.

“I think if bikers want to find a way on to the field they will, which is disappointing. It has dropped off. The summer tends to be the busiest time so we will see.”

CSO Mr Metcalfe-Davies said many people rode their dirt bikes responsibly on tracks designed for the purpose.

“We are fully supportive of that,” he said. “But often riders don’t have index numbers, insurance or even a licence. They are a risk to themselves and the public.”

He said people could still take their bikes into the field, but it would be more difficult for them: “The big thing is if they have to stop and pick up their bike and lift it over they will slow down and are more likely to be caught.”

Cllr Jane Mudd said she wanted to praise the “outstanding level of commitment” the neighbourhood policing team have shown to the local community, adding: “They really are dedicated to their roles.”