Police have increased patrols at a blighted golf course after off-road bikers were using it as a scrambling track.

Residents living near the now closed Southern Valley Golf Course in Thong Lane, Gravesend, have raised their concerns to Gravesham councillor Bob Lane.

The golf course has been closed because it is directly in the path of the planned Lower Thames Crossing and will be destroyed if the crossing gets the go-ahead.

It is understood that Lower Thames Crossing is in the process of buying the land, but the sale has not been completed yet and no-one is prepared to take responsibility for its security.

In the meantime, bikers have been riding around the fairway, not only destroying the grass but leading to multiple complaints from those living nearby.

Officers confirmed they have been liaising with the landowner about enhanced security.

Cllr Lane said he continues to receive complaints from "distraught residents".

He said: "Police have advised me that they are fully aware of the issues regarding the bikes on Thong Lane, and they are taking action to deal with the matter.

"One of their officers has spoken to the golf course owner who assures them that they are in the process of having the fence fixed, and the officer has spoken to them about securing other parts of the land that the bikes are using to gain access.

"I am advised that the police are carrying out increased patrols in the area - officers have already been there to speak to residents and will continue to patrol it as much as possible.

"Special constables are being involved to ensure extra patrols are committed to the area so resourcing is not an issue.

"The Local PSCO and ASB [anti-social behaviour] officer are also planning a day of action to gather as much information and intelligence as possible and the police will be running an operation in the area in the coming weeks.

"They continue to ask residents to report the issues via the Kent Police website with as much information as they can gain at the time."