A councillor has called for more cross-party working to tackle nuisance off-road bikers in Stoke-on-Trent.

David Mountford says problems such as off-road motorbikes cut across ward boundaries, political groups and organisational responsibilities, meaning a collaborative approach is needed instead of 'working in silos'.

The Potteries Party councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor has called on Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth to commit to an approach 'that focuses on outcomes for residents rather than political alignment'.

Cllr Mountford defected from Labour to the Potteries Party last year after opposing the council's plans to build homes on greenfield land at Packmoor.

In her written response to Cllr Mountford's formal question, Cllr Ashworth says the authority is already working closely with Staffordshire Police on issues such as off-road motorbikes and e-scooters through Operation Transom.

New monthly Operation Transom meetings are being established, and Cllr Ashworth says there will be regular communications to keep all political groups fully informed.

Cllr Ashworth said: "This administration is committed to enabling structured, cross-party and cross-ward collaboration on issues that present widespread harm or risk to life.

"We are already strengthening the way all councillors engage with our community safety and anti-social behaviour teams, increasing the visibility of local intelligence, and ensuring councillors from all parties can raise concerns, access relevant data via the dashboard and contribute to shared problem-solving.

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"We recognise that the safety of our communities cannot be improved through siloed working, and we are committed to maintaining an approach that focuses on outcomes for residents rather than political alignment."

Recent actions carried out as part of Operation Transom have included the erection of Section 59 warning signs, telling bikers that if they ride illegally the police can seize their bikes.

The council has also blocked problem access points, and will be providing speciallly trained police officers with electric off-road bikes to allow them to follow offenders into parks and other areas inaccessible by cars.

Cllr Mountford will have the chance to ask a follow-up question during the full council meeting on Thursday, March 26.