DRONES should be used to crack down on vandals using off-road bikes in Blaenau Gwent, an MP has said.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, January 23, the area’s MP Nick Smith called for action.

“These troublemakers churn up the land, worry animals and intimidate local people,” he said.

Mr Smith added the culprits were often able to use their bikes to go into areas where police were unable to follow.

He added: “Will the Home Office look into the possibility of resources, agreement and licensing to enable drones to be used to help us to tackle the problem?”

Policing and fire service minister Brandon Lewis said he was in favour of drones.

“Police forces and fire brigades are sharing them and I would encourage the honourable gentleman’s local police force to consider doing the same,” he said.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said the force had applied for a Civil Aviation Authority licence to be allowed to use drones.