Noisy motorcross riders and scramblers who were trespassing on private property for 13 years will no longer be a disturbance to residents in the area, thanks to mediation by constituent MP Dale Butler.

Mr. Butler, who represents the Warwick East area said he has managed to resolve the issue of motorcross racing on the Banana Beach property - also known as the Atlantic Beach Club property.

The bike riders had taken up residence on the private property for almost 13 years, cutting out an actual raceway and putting in place several dunes and mounds to accompany the track.

Mr. Butler said that the Coney Island racetrack which is used by the riders was only open to them certain times of the year and the riders needed a place to practice. But in the wake of the noise, several accidents and the fact that the overseas owners plan to develop in the near future, the racers' free ride on the property has been cut off.

"Neighbours tried to turn a blind eye to it, but the litter was a problem and the noise really annoyed a large number of the residents," Mr. Butler said. "So we met with Government, various Police and other Members of Parliament and residents and we resolved that anyone using the land was indeed trespassing.

"An official meeting was held on September 24, with the law firm representing the owners and they have indicated that they cannot allow any scrambling to take place on their premises."

And he added that to ensure that the riders stay away from the property, a letter has been sent to the Bermuda Motocross Association and each of the riders assuring that they would be prosecuted if they use the land again.

"The land is off limits and the normal process of charging trespassers will be followed, because it is private land," he said.

Mr. Butler said however, that he was working closely with Youth and Sport Minister Dennis Lister to find another venue for the scramblers, because he said there is a lot of "young Bermuda talent".

"There were guys coming from as far away as Dockyard and St. David's to ride on these tracks," he said. "Everyone is concerned about our young people, so we are looking for some other area that can be used instead."