Ref. 71895-19GANGS of youths have been racing motorbikes around Liden Lagoon and residents fear an accident is imminent.

The lagoon is a haven for dog walkers, elderly people and young families, but in recent weeks the area has been plagued by groups of young motor-cyclists.

Coun David Wren (Lab, Dorcan) has been receiving calls from worried residents who have seen the youths setting up ramps and using the lagoon footpaths as race tracks.

Coun Wren said: "Apart from the fact these youngsters are churning up the grass and behaving anti-socially, they could also prove a danger to themselves and to other people.

"It only seems to happen in the summer months during the holidays.

"The kids are about 16 or 17 years old and have trail bikes and motorcross bikes.

"They race around the footpaths."

Coun Wren says that he has attempted to stop the bikers but has not yet managed to succeed in doing so.

He also urges anyone who sees the bikers to make a note of the number plates and report them to the police.

"I fear that someone could be taking a stroll around the lake and all of a sudden be faced with one of these bikers racing towards them.

"You could have these bikers on you before you know what's happening.

"They have no sense of respon-sibility."

Situated on the edge of Liden, the lagoon is a popular retreat for anglers, dog walkers, wheelchair users, young families and elderly people.

According to Coun Wren, it is not a problem that has occurred before.

One elderly resident, who lives in White Edge Moor, Liden, but did not want to be named, said the bikers were behaving anti-socially and irrespon-sibly.

She said: "It's a shame they're trying to turn it into a race track.

"The lagoon is a lovely part of the area which we all enjoy in the summer months.

"I hope these bikers can be caught and stopped. I think their behaviour has been scaring people away from the lagoon."

Community beat officer PC John Brixey is aware of the problems and is working with residents to try to resolve the issue.

Anyone with any information which could help identify the bikers is asked to call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Emma-Kate Lidbury