Police in Renfrewshire could soon be given quad bikes to help them chase down yobs who use off-road vehicles illegally.

Renfrewshire Council is in the process of procuring two quad bikes which would be used across the area by police to deal with people driving the likes of motorbikes on public land.

It is hoped the vehicles would make it easier for officers to catch drivers who often race off as soon as they appear on the scene.

Inspector Laura Hamill, of Paisley’s community policing team, said: “We have been working with Renfrewshire Council on this project to address the issues relating to people using off-road vehicles within our communities.”

Councillor John Shaw, who represents Renfrew North, said there have been several incidents of people using off-road vehicles in the town’s Kirklandneuk Park.

He has welcomed efforts by the council and police to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“I was delighted to hear of a positive partnership between the council and Police Scotland to assist in dealing with unauthorised use of public land by motorbikes and quad bikes,” said Councillor Shaw.

“This has been an often reported issue at Kirklandneuk Park but also at other parks across Renfrewshire.

“Myself and my colleagues Lisa-Marie Hughes, Marie McGurk and Will Mylet have all been pushing for some work to be done on this for some time now.

“It’s good to hear the council is now working to provide Police Scotland with quad bikes locally, which should help alleviate the issue of motorbikes disappearing off into the distance as officers arrive and allow officers to provide advice or take action much more easily where appropriate.

“We’ll hopefully see the bikes in action in the not-too-distant future.”

A council spokesman added: “Through the Community Safety Partnership, colleagues from the council and Police Scotland are progressing plans to address issues of anti-social behaviour and illegal use of quad bikes and off-road vehicles in Renfrewshire.”