GANGS of nuisance youths terrorising a quiet village by riding motorbikes and scooters until the early hours of the morning are a “disaster waiting to happen”, a council leader has claimed.
GANGS of nuisance youths terrorising a quiet village by riding motorbikes and scooters until the early hours of the morning are a “disaster waiting to happen”, a council leader has claimed.
Graham Butland, leader of Braintree District Council, said the screeching sound of two-wheeled motor vehicles was causing increasing anger and resentment in the village of Great Notley.
He said groups of youths had been hurtling down quiet residential streets, where the speed limit is 20mph, up until 3am, depriving people of sleep.
Police have been called into investigate several times over the last two months, but the problem is continuing.
Earlier this week, one youth even tied tin cans to his motorbike to increase the “obnoxious” decibel level, Mr Butland said yesterday.
The Conservative councillor, who lives in the village and represents the Great Notley and Braintree West ward, said he agreed with a parish council decision to identify culprits by noting bikers' registration numbers.
He said yesterday: “Police have been swift to act, but the problem is that a lot of the youths seem to be coming in from Braintree and see the whole thing as a laugh - but it certainly is not.
“By riding recklessly they are a danger to both themselves and other road users. Their actions are a disaster waiting to happen.
“They cause considerable disturbance to residents,” he added.
He said youths speed down Cuckoo Way from Panners Farm, around the village green and race towards the A131 bypass.
Acting Chief Insp Luke Collison, of Braintree police, said the force was aware of the problem and it had become a specific policing initiative with foot patrols due to visit the area last night.
He said: “This is now a priority for us and our crime and disorder partners. We would urge anyone who witnesses this behaviour to contact us with descriptions and particularly registration numbers.
“The high quality of life for all the residents of the Braintree division is of the utmost importance to us,” he added.
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