Quad bikes and mini-motos are driving residents up the wall and damaging a local nature reserve, it’s been claimed.

People aged between their late teens and early 30s are causing misery for residents near Foxhill Bank nature reserve and on Harvey Street in Oswaldtwistle.

Matt Howard, who lives on nearby Foxfields Close, said his partner came within ‘inches’ of being struck while walking their dog and has called for action to be taken.

He said: “It’s just got to the point now where it’s getting ridiculous

“They are racing up and down there day and night.

“They are out in force when it’s good weather and go up and down at such high speeds.

“They aren’t licenced so you can’t get registration plates.

Around a dozen vehicles were spotted driving in the area last weekend.

Drivers have also been forced into taking evasive action

Matt, 34, who works as a community tutor and advice worker, said he has reported the problem to the police and council over the past year however nothing has been done.

He said: “The police have told us they have gone down there but when they get there they’ve gone.

“They’ve asked me to go up and take pictures and videos but I’m not going to put myself or my family at risk

“We are either getting ‘it’s not our problem’ from the council or the police saying they can’t really do anything.

“I don’t want to wake up one morning and see the headlines of a child getting killed because of this.”

Ward councillor Peter Britcliffe said something needs to be done to resolve this ‘dangerous issue’.

Coun Ken Moss, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Councillors and officers are meeting with police soon to discuss this matter.

“We would appeal for local residents who have any information about the culprits to please get in touch with the police.”

Oswaldtwistle PC Kat Stokes said they need residents help to catch them.

She said: “It is a massive area and there are so many different routes to get to.

“We can’t just put a barrier up and solve it.

“I’m either on foot or on my bike and can’t catch them and they can see us coming.

“It’s about what we can do retrospectively and taking action that way.”

Anyone with information call 101 or visit the monthly PACT meetings.