A PLEA has been issued to mountain bike enthusiasts after a spate of damage to woodland sites across the district.

Trees have been cut to make tracks, logs stacked-up for jumps and wildlife disturbed. Areas have also been littered with debris.

Now Bradford Council is urging mountain bikers to stick to appropriate routes and dedicated areas.

Details of recommended paths and trails can be found on the Cycle Bradford website, at cyclebradford.org.uk/get-cycling/leisure-trails-places.

Locations include the Great Northern Railway Trail – from Cullingworth – and the St Ives estate at Harden.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council’s portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said: “Whilst it’s great that people want to get outdoors on their bikes we also want to protect our woodlands, parks and countryside sites, so that everyone can enjoy them.

“We also need to protect our trees, plants and wildlife.

“For that reason, we would ask that people please use designated mountain bike routes.”