A KIDDERMINSTER resident up in arms over the problem of "bike yobs" is calling on local people to join forces to tackle the issue.

Gary Darlington has had enough of scrambler and mini moto bikes blighting the lives of people living on the Waterside Grange estate and wants residents to unite in a call for a regular police patrol of the area.

Mr Darlington said he had twice contacted the police with photographic evidence about the noise and danger bikes were posing in the neighbourhood but, he added, nothing had been done about the situation.

His concerns were that youngsters were riding on footpaths and on roads around the estate and that it was "an accident waiting to happen".

He said: "Myself and other neighbours are sick and tired of the disturbance and potential accidents waiting to happen. We have contacted the police and the local council but nobody is interested in coming to the area to see the problem.

"Maybe, as a collective force, we can get some action from people who say they want to tackle the problem but, when faced with it, offer no help."

The calls for action came only months after there were complaints from local residents about bike riders blighting the Puxton Marsh area.

A police spokeswoman said, in appropriate circumstances, they would not hesitate to seize bikes. Owners would then face a fine for the return of their bike and, if they failed to pay or re-offended, the bike would be destroyed.

She added: "We do understand the misery caused by the improper use of these bikes and we want to reassure people living locally that we will continue to take positive measures to address this matter.

"In order to do this, however, we need to know about these incidents as they are taking place. Our message for people is to call in with full details when they see these bikes being ridden on footpaths or park land."

To help Mr Darlington in his campaign, call 07801 138610.