Young motorbikers are being turfed off a famous scrambling site.

The expansive Flappit lay-by used as a base by hundreds of junior scramblers is being closed. Bradford Council said it had "no choice" but to shut the site for safety reasons.

But now it is feared the youngsters will instead ride their off-road machines at unsuitable locations elsewhere.

The Flappit quarry plot, alongside the A629 near Cullingworth, has been a Mecca for scrambling enthusiasts for over half a century, although its common law status means the activity is actually unauthorised.

District councillor Michael Ellis said: "If riders do not go on there where will they go? Will they go to Haworth, Ilkley or Harden Moors? It would be so much better if we had a safe dedicated area." Users of the site have spoken out against the closure.

Nigel Hinnell, a biker, said: "Closing the quarry will mean more bikes on the streets."

David Luscombe, head of Auto Cycle Union, said: "The local authority should be making provision for this kind of sport.

"Flappit has the potential to become one of the best off-road sites in the country.

Bradford Council said: "The council has no choice but to close the lay-by at Hallas Rough, commonly known as the Flappit'.

"We are aware that unauthorised motorcycling does take place at Hallas Rough, which is common land, and that motorcyclists are using the land to gain access to the adjacent moorland. We also understand that the lay-by itself, which is owned by the council, has been used for racing.

"The council and the Health and Safety Executive are concerned that a major accident could occur "

to either the motorcyclists themselves or to other users of the land.

"In addition to these public safety concerns, motorcycling at Hallas Rough is against common land regulations and is also interfering with the proposed restoration of the nearby quarry. Legal advice is that the situation cannot continue.

"We will be liaising with the police over the implementation of this work."