NI Water has issued an appeal to stop antisocial behaviour after considerable scrambler damage has been caused at Woodburn Reservoir in County Antrim and Conlig Reservoir in County Down.

NI Water Supply Area Manager Gary Presho said: "The increase in damage at some NI Water reservoir sites indicates that some people may have received motorcycles as Christmas presents this year and are using some of our reservoirs to test them to the limit, especially during the darker evenings.

"NI Water strictly prohibits the use of scramblers or quad bikes across all of our sites. The walking trails through the forests and around the dams are used by families on a regular basis and with motorbikes also using these trails it is an accident waiting to happen.

"Not only are they endangering public safety, they are also causing damage to the reservoir embankments.

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"The damage caused shows that grassland has been badly cut up and with the recent adverse weather and heavy rain we could well start to see erosion which could impact on the structural integrity of the dam. It is not possible to repair the grass until ground conditions improve. The reservoir safety team are therefore carefully monitoring for early signs of erosion, but further damage will only accelerate the erosion. This may well result in the need to drain the reservoirs concerned until repairs are completed.

"While some individuals see this as harmless fun, we appeal that they stop this dangerous activity immediately before there is a need to drain these reservoirs or a serious accident.

"Security patrols have been put in place to identify those involved. Any motorcycles using the sites, or vehicles observed offloading motorcycles will be reported with a view to legal action being taken against the perpetrators.

"We are also actively working with local community representatives and with the PSNI to find a permanent solution. NI Water will consider ceasing public access to the areas if such activity continues.

"NI Water depends on the common sense and goodwill of those using the sites to treat them with respect. We understand people want to make the most of these scenic areas, but we would ask everyone to use them respectfully and be mindful that other users want to enjoy the areas safely too."