Unruly youngsters riding motorised scooters are making their residents' lives a misery.

People living in Charnwood Close and Kelvin Way, Undercliffe, say the youngsters are racing the machines up and down the streets, plaguing elderly people and causing noise.

They fear youngsters are not only putting their own lives at risk but are also endangering those of other people.

Arthur Rollins, 74, who lives in Charnwood Close, said the youngsters were riding the scooters at speeds of up to 20mph.

"They don't wear any helmets or protective head gear. If a car did hit them they would be seriously injured," he said.

He also said that if an elderly person was knocked down they could be badly hurt.

"The children riding these scooters are between nine and 12 years old. It is completely irresponsible of the parents and they must know that their children aren't safe," said Mr Rollins.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The use of these scooters on public roads and pavements is illegal unless appropriately insured, taxed and registered with the DVLA.

"It is worth reminding people that even if the scooter's engine capacity is less than 50cc then the rider still needs to be 16 years old.

"Anyone caught riding the scooters illegally risks being prosecuted."

Another resident who is fed up with the disruption caused by the scooters is Bryan Walker, who lives in Kelvin Way with his wife Pauline, 59.

He said: "My wife has problems with her mobility so she is forced to spend a lot of time in the house.

"Because of the nice weather Pauline should have been able to sit in the garden and enjoy it.

"Instead, because of the noise, she has been forced to sit in the house with the windows shut."

Mr Walker said he had called the police to report the youngsters but as yet nothing has been done.

"The noise is unbearable. It is like a car with a broken exhaust," he said.

Mr Rollins said he has tried tackling the youngsters about the noise.

"Every time I have tried to reason with them I have been verbally abused. The language they use is very offensive," he said.

A police spokesman said: "Calls to us have slowed regarding this problem but if people are still experiencing problems they must contact the police.

"We have previously considered using powers under the Police Reform Act to bring curfews into force in this area.

"If this behaviour has started again then we would re-evaluate that."