A councillor has slammed reckless youths for racing around Greenock Cemetery in off-road motorbikes.

Councillor Graeme Brooks has been in touch with a worried constituent who claims someone will be killed if they are not stopped.

Councillor Graeme Brooks  (Image: George Munro)

Councillor Brooks said that such behaviour is totally unacceptable and has personally written to police and the council's enforcement teams to tackle the issue.

He said: "I have contacted the constituent. This is obviously having an impact on his quality of life.

"It's a safety issue for members of the public and for the youths involved.

"I have also written to police to see what can be done to catch these individuals.

"It is totally unacceptable. They are unmarked bikes, there's no registration and it is clearly a criminal offence."

He added that he was aware that police have been attempting to catch the culprits, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Councillor Brooks said: "I am not aware if it is lack of resources or an operational issue."

The resident, who lives near the cemetery, also spoke to the Telegraph.

The 53-year-old, who does not want to be identified, said: "I can see them from my kitchen window.

"It's been going on for more than a month between 11.30am and 8pm. It's three 15-year-olds in full sized trail bikes or scramblers.

"They're racing around the cemetery at 50, 60, 70 miles per hour. Somebody is going to get killed.

"Leaves are starting to fall and it's getting slippery. They could hit a wall or go over a headstone.

"Pensioners are out walking their dogs and kids are out playing, people are attending funerals and visiting their loved ones' graves.

"As well as knocking someone down, it's disrespectful.

"They are racing round blind corners three in a row, you can't get out of their way."

The concerned resident says that the teens are coming in and out of the Bow Road entrance of the cemetery.

He says he has reported this to police several times but says when they come out the culprits hide or go quiet, then half an hour later, it starts up again.

He added: "It's the noise too, it's appalling. All police have to do is to block off the Bow Road entrance."

Police confirmed that they had received a report last week about the problem.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 11.35am on Wednesday, August 28 to a report of people on dirt bikes causing a nuisance in the South Street area of Greenock.

“In this instance no one has been traced. When those responsible are identified and traced they will be dealt with accordingly.

“This kind of behaviour causes distress in our community and can also be unsafe. We are aware of ongoing issues and as part of regular patrols, officers continue to attend the area.

“We encourage anyone with concerns to report them to Police Scotland via 101.”

The council's social protection team emailed Councillor Brooks, saying: "Over the last month or two we have had an increase in calls to the community wardens regarding off-road bikes and the dangers of them being driven illegally.

"Often though we arrive quickly, it can be difficult to identify the perpetrators due to helmets, masks and no registration on their bikes.

"We passed intelligence on suspects to police and working together, we are looking to take action when possible."