Youths in balaclavas driving quad and dirt bikes through Paisley streets are “putting pedestrians at risk”, an elected member has claimed.

Concerns have been raised about the use of Meikleriggs Drive and surrounding roads as a potential “rat run” between the Foxbar and Glenburn areas of the town.

Councillor Stephen Burns, who represents the Paisley Southwest ward, warned the behaviour has become an issue most evenings, approximately between 8pm and 11pm, after the arrival of lighter nights in recent weeks.

He said residents are “completely fed up of it” as bikers pass through multiple times and rev their engines in a number of nearby residential streets.

The SNP politician said: “They are putting pedestrians at risk. It’s a real concern.

“There’s a lot of elderly people in that area and children out playing. They are putting them at risk by running up and down the street.

“It has been happening at night for a number of weeks now – since the lighter nights have started to come in, it’s been a problem.

“I think they’re using it as a rat run between Foxbar and Glenburn.

“The wardens have been out and about speaking to local people, so that they can pass the information on to the police.

“But the residents are up in arms about it and for good reason. They are completely fed up of it.

“These things are revving up and down the street and they are loud.

“Not to mention, they’ve been going on to the pavements and down the paths.

“They have balaclavas on and they are quick.”

Renfrewshire Council confirmed its wardens service continues to patrol areas where issues are raised in the community.

“We urge any member of the public to report incidents like this to the police,” a spokesperson for the local authority said.

“Our wardens service continues to support the police in managing antisocial behaviour through patrols and community safety initiatives.”

Police have also been made aware of the issue.