POLICE are investigating claims that a group of moto-cross bikers damaged part of the Blorenge mountain by tearing around on it.

Witnesses said the bikers were seen scrambling on the east side of the hill, which is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, on Monday, December 28.

Appealing for help to identify them, Sebastian Nicholls said: “Yesterday a group of 9 moto-cross bikes were riding up and down the east corner of The Blorenge.

“They have caused damage that may take years to recover. The mountain is an SSSI protecting some rare plants and mosses.

“The landowners, the South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd, are working really hard to preserve the mountain, the nature and the history of the Blorenge.

“It is really heart-breaking to see so much damage being done so quickly in such a thoughtless way.

“If anyone knows who might have been riding on The Blorenge yesterday, please could you get involved.

“Any legitimate users of the mountain who might have any photographs of the bikers that help to identify the riders, (and) the police would be very pleased to have your help as well.

“The police and Natural Resources Wales are doing their best to help and will prosecute anyone caught.”

Any information can be reported by calling Gwent Police on 101, reference 175 of 28th December.

Responding to the post on Abergavenny Voice, Fiona Plant said: “The bikers ride up from Gypsy Lane (in Llanfoist) then over Green Lane adjacent to Upper Ninfa.

“This is an all ‘vehicles’ track unfortunately. They don’t always shut the gates.

“When they come back down they cross the road and break down the road edge before going into the gulley into the woods.

“Some are pleasant and helpful when meeting horses. Others are downright rude and destructive.

“A lot of damage has been (done) by the bikes in the Lane, to the gate and to the road.

“There should be maintained areas for motorbikes. Perhaps the motorcycle groups could do some repair work to the tracks that they use?”

Steffi Schwede added: “They were by us near Llanelly Hill today too. Eight we counted.”

Another woman said: “It’s happening everywhere since lockdown, it’s gotten worse, and more parents buying their kids them… here they are up and down the roads too ripping up the grass wherever they go. Ruined our mountain, police will not touch them.”

Lyndon Prosser questioned why they were even out riding, saying: “I thought essential travel only as we’re in lockdown? Exercise in local area only?

“Not that many properties on Blorenge! So should be no bikes, moto-cross, vehicles or any runners, swimmers or walkers unless local?!”

But Sarah Morgan said: “If there were places for them to go they wouldn’t have to resort to wrecking the mountains.”

Debs Green posted: “About time a track was made available for bikers. It wouldn’t stop all illegal riders, but would vastly reduce damage elsewhere.”

In the meantime nearly 1,000 comments were logged on Gwent Police’s Facebook page after a post warning about crowds of people flocking to a hilltop beauty spot near Abergavenny.

Current Welsh Government Tier 4 Covid restrictions say vehicle travel should only be for ‘essential’ reasons and exercise should start and finish at one’s home, ruling out driving to do it.

But after reports of an overflowing car park on the Blorenge, with vehicles parked at the roadside as people flocked to enjoy the snow, police attended and posted: “Officers are currently dealing with a large number of persons gathered at the Keeper’s Pond, Blaenavon Road.

“The Covid-19 and social distancing requirements are to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and protect people from illness.

“It would be advisable to avoid the area at this time and to seek exercise at an alternative location. Stay safe.”