The route leads to a historic stone circle

Police say they are monitoring a historic county beauty spot after reports of an increase in complaints about motorbikes.

Bishop’s Castle and Clun Police posted about the issue on social media, saying the reports concern motorbikes riding over Stapeley Hill, Shropshire, between Hemford and White Grit.

Police have warned about the consequences of ignoring the restrictions. | Picture: Bishop's Castle and Clun Police

placeholder image — Police have warned about the consequences of ignoring the restrictions. | Picture: Bishop's Castle and Clun Police

The area has restriction which means the byway over the hill should only be used by vehicles for permitted access.

The restriction is intended to protect the historic Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle.

A spokesman for the police said: “We would like to remind off-roaders that the byway running over the hill has a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which has been in place for many years, new signage has recently been erected by Shropshire Council to notify motorists. The byway should only be used by vehicles for permitted access.

“The TRO is in place to protect Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle, which is a scheduled monument. The marked byway runs straight through the middle of the prehistoric stone circle.

“Scheduled monuments such as Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle are protected under law by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as well as other pieces of legislation.

“As a scheduled monument there may be offences being committed as by driving or riding over the site could be considered as causing criminal damage to the site (which is protected under the act), this is punishable by a fine and 2 years in prison.”

They added: “We will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate action.”