GREEN spaces and footpaths that make West Swindon a pleasant place to live also make it a magnet for a dangerous and anti-social pastime.

Youngsters on stolen motorbikes and scooters are putting pedestrians at risk and creating a noise nuisance in the evenings and at weekends.

Today, Western Sector Police Inspector Steve Kellow warned it was only a matter of time before these rogue off-road bikers seriously hurt someone or themselves.

He said: "There is a real danger that sooner or later they are going to come into contact with pedestrians, or with a child playing, and there is a going to be an accident.

"What kids see as a bit of fun could have serious consequences."

He said the green areas at Toothill, Westlea and the back of the Rivermead Industrial Estate are some of the key trouble spots, together with the footpath behind Blagrove Industrial Estate.

Staff at Lydiard Park also say that on some evenings as they leave at one end of the site, they can hear motorbike engines revving ready to ride in at the other.

In the past year, five scooters and motorbikes have been abandoned in the park.

According to Insp Kellow, most sunny evenings there is a report of motorbikes being driven illegally somewhere in West Swindon.

He said the bikes were often stolen, had no number plates and were driven by underage riders with no licence or insurance.

He said: "When West Swindon was built in the 1970s, they made it very friendly for pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately this also makes it very easy for these motorbikes to get around."

He urged the public to do its bit by calling the police straight away when they see an illegal biker. And he called on motorcyclists to keep their vehicles safe, in sheds or garages if possible, so they don't tempt passing thieves.

He said: "Somebody out there knows who these boys and girls are and somebody must see them riding to or from these green areas."

Lydiard Park ranger Tom Murawicki, 35, said: "They know we finish at a certain time and as we leave we can hear them revving their bikes at the gates .

"We've managed to stop the hooligans driving around in their cars by locking the gates the bikers are more difficult to keep out.

"They cause a danger to themselves and to people like dog walkers who come into the park in the evenings. They also tear up the grass and flower beds.

"The youngsters who come with them light fires and leave rubbish."

Last year a hotline was launched to report illegal motorcycle riding in Swindon. It is intended to help police crackdown on off-road, under-age or dangerous riding.

The number is the same as the Safer Swindon shop, 01793 525114. Witnesses can also call Westlea Police Station on Swindon 528111.