FED-UP Johnstone residents have hit out at barmy bikers who have been using local streets as a racetrack.

A number of young men riding dirt and quad bikes without a safety helmet have been caught on CCTV whizzing along pavements around Greenend Avenue and the McMaster Sports Centre.

There are fears the riders, whose ages are thought to range from late teens to late 20s, could cause a serious accident.

One former Johnstone resident, who has recently moved from Greenend Avenue and asked not to be identified, told The Gazette how bikers have been driving recklessly in the area for years.

“They are maniacs,” said the resident. “Quite recently, someone on a scrambler bike who was using the embankments near the football pitch at the McMaster Sports Centre to perform jumps almost hit a woman who was with a child in a pram.

“They are pulling wheelies along the pavements and speeding up and down the street. Our dog was almost run over on one occasion.

“We’ve seen them riding with young children on the front of the quad bikes with no helmets or anything – and there are no number plates, so you can’t report them properly.”

Iain McMillan, secretary of Johnstone Community Council, said: “This activity has been a problem in the town for a number of years.

“Thomas Shanks Park and the old St Cuthbert’s School playing pitches have been the two hotspots in particular for quad bikes.

“The bikers seem to be pretty reckless driving on pavements and going at speeds that are far too fast.

“The young men who are doing it are endangering themselves and their friends, as well as the general public.

“I would really urge people to report this behaviour to the police when they see it, because somebody could end up getting seriously hurt.”

Sergeant Barry McNaught, of Renfrewshire’s community policing team, said he is aware of concerns in and around Johnstone regarding off-road bikes.

He told The Gazette: “Reports have increased in recent months, with schools being closed.

“When we receive reports, we do action officers to go out and investigate, as it is obviously very dangerous for the both the rider of the bike and any pedestrians nearby on the pavement or roadways.

“If residents are aware of this happening in a particular location, or if they have any information as to who may be responsible for it and where the bikes are coming from, please let us know so we can challenge this dangerous behaviour.”

Anyone who has information that can help the police with their inquiries should call 101.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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