AN elderly couple have blasted parents who bought mini-moto bikes for youngsters at Christmas after claiming their lives were being made a misery.

Pensioners Edward and Myrtle Martin said Christmas Day was the noisiest so far at Hapton recreation ground, which is plagued by the current craze for mini-motorised bikes.

And they said the blame lay with parents, just days after police warned mums and dads not to buy the bikes as they are illegal when used on public land.

Police said they had not received any complaints from residents but they urged anyone who sees the bikes being ridden illegally to contact them.

Officers can seize the bikes and yesterday took two machines in Rose Grove Drive, Padiham. Mrs Martin, 68, said: "Christmas Day was the worst. They all had them. The noise is tremendous, you can't sleep.

"We brought our children up to have respect and they just don't have that.

"Parents should take the responsibility because they shouldn't be buying them these in the first place."

The couple have lived in Carter Avenue, next to the recreation ground, since 1972. But they said it was only this year that the bikes became a problem.

Mr Martin, 70, said: "If it was me I would go round and bust the bikes up. I feel like going out with the hose and turning it on them. We are not getting any peace."

The machines can only be ridden legally on private land as they are not approved for road use and cannot be taxed.

Last week The Lancashire Telegraph reported police are using off-road bikes to catch mini-moto riders.

Sgt Phil Hutchinson, neighbourhood officer for Padiham and Burnley West said he had received no reports of youths riding mini-motos in Hapton.

But he said: "I would ask parents to consider and think about why they are buying these for their children. They cause anti-social problems."

Report illegal use of the bikes on 01282 472303.