RESIDENTS are concerned the public’s safety is being jeopardised by thugs tearing down a footpath on motorbikes.

People living near William Harris Way and Hooper Avenue in Blackheath, Colchester, have complained to councillors after seeing troublemakers riding at speed down a footpath which connects the two roads to the estate.

The bikes, which do not have number plates, are also causing damage to the footpath as the riders are using it as a race track.

Ward councillor Dave Harris (Lab) is now urging residents to report any incidents to the police.

He said: “The cycle way and footpath goes right through the town, it is near a play park and lots of mums have complained.

“I went down there myself and although I didn’t see any motorbikes you can see evidence of tyre skid marks on the grass. They are tearing around at high speed.”

Now Mr Harris is urging residents to keep their eyes open and report anything they see, no matter how big or small, to the police.

He said: “I think this is the best thing to do.

“We need to know what sort of time this is happening, as it seems to be all different times.

“I suspect some of the riders are young people.

“There are no number plates so this is totally illegal.

“Children cross there from the play area to the estate and it only takes one of them to run out across the footpath for there to be an accident.

“We don’t know if these bikes have a valid MoT or even if they have the ability to slow down.”

Anyone with information should report it to police on 101.