CONCERN has been raised over illegal off-road bikers causing damage to land around Cwmcelyn Valley.

The area is home to a Bronze Age site, approximately 4,500 years old, that historians and the Aberystruth History and Archaeology Society have spent years excavating.

South Wales Argus:

Abandoned cars being burned out are also said to be blighting the area.

And Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies has hit out over the matter, calling it an issue that requires a “muscular approach”.

“The police and local authority are working hard but it is difficult to catch the culprits,” added Mr Davies.

“We need a muscular approach as it will not be resolved if we do not make an example of those caught.”

The secretary of Aberystruth History and Archaeology Society, Ian Fewing, said: “The Bronze Age site is almost decimated.”

“Bikers have threatened local farmers who have confronted them and lambs have been aborted due to the stress being put on the ewes.

“Gwent Police have caught some of the riders but as soon as the police are gone, the riders come back.

South Wales Argus:

“Results are not going to happen overnight, but actions need to be implemented.”

Mr Fewing also said more police patrol were needed, but acknowledged a lack of police funding.

Blaenau Gwent Sergeant Neil Pigeon said: “Over the last two months, we have received six reports of off-road bikers in the Blaina and Nantyglo area. None of these reports were specific to the Cwmcelyn area.

“For us to effectively deal with illegal off-road biking, there are dedicated patrols on the weekends by our officers with a view to identify areas and any illegal off-road motorcycling. We are also working with our partners agencies to prevent and respond to incidents.

“If you have any information, call 101, send a direct message to our Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media pages.”