ANGRY residents are calling for action to be taken against tearaway teenagers riding motorbikes down a Malvern walkway.

Groups of youngsters have been driving down Piggy Lane, off St Kitt's Close, for the past four months and residents fear someone will be killed.

They say many children play there and have made numerous complaints to police.

"Somebody's going to get killed around here - you can see all the children playing and it only needs someone to come down on a bike while they're out and they've got no chance," said Alison Owen, of St Kitt's Close.

Nicky Cecil, also of St Kitt's Close, said she was afraid to use the alleyway at night because of youths hanging around.

And Brian Clulow, of St Kitt's Close, also raised concerns.

"There are lots of young people around here and it's normally quite quiet for them to play but it's getting quite dangerous at the moment."

Residents are also angry over fences being pulled down, exposing gas meter boxes.

John Tudge, of nearby Lechmere Crescent, said one of the box's doors had previously been forced open - exposing a pipe - which he feared vandals might torch.

"It's a temptation beyond words to the wrong people, it really is.

"I'm very surprised there hasn't been an attempt to torch it for a bit of fun - a couple of chip papers and up it'd go."

Ward councillor Serena Croad said she spoke with highways' officers to get a barrier installed which was not possible as it would also prevent access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

"There's a problem with motorbikes there but unfortunately residents haven't been able to get registration numbers.

"I think it's awful on the local residents. They shouldn't have to put up with it."

A Transco spokeswoman said an engineer had inspected the boxes and the doors were secure.

And south Worcestershire police spokesman Richard Bull said they had one reported incident of youngsters riding bikes but were investigating.

"Clearly they may well be a danger because this area isn't meant to be used in that way." Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08457 444888.