GANGS in 4x4 vehicles have churned up numerous grass verges in part of Bradford in what a councillor described as a "remarkable piece of selfishness".

Residents in Bradford Moor say two 4x4 vehicles - a Toyota Hilux and a Mitsubishi Shogun - have driven over verges on Folkestone Street and Amberley Street, turning the latter, especially, into a mud bath.

One local, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: ""We have had these guys for the past couple of months destroying our grass verges. Local lads are doing it and they are only young.

"People are scared to report it. We get no police patrols round here. On a night, this is a lawless area. It is anti-social behaviour, most of the time."

Police pointed out that dedicated officers regularly patrolled the area and added that the team was aware of the issues raised and took such reports seriously.

Independent Councillor Faisal Khan (Bradford Moor) said of the damage to the grass verges: "It is flagrant disregard for the community and I think people are fearful.

"There is less and less money to spend, so to actually wilfully damage property that is a community asset - it is green space - is just awful.

"We need to encourage residents, if they see anything like this, to call the police. I understand that people are probably frustrated, but if more people put complaints in then something will be done.

"They are driving dangerously. It is a remarkable piece of selfishness."

Cllr Khan said he would speak to the local Imam to ask him to give a sermon on selfishness and taking pride in your local area.

"I want people to be proud of the area they live in," said Cllr Khan. "It is up to us, as a community, to make sure people do not get away with this.

"It is just so appalling."

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It is like a race course round here."

Police Sergeant James Firth, of the Bradford East neighbourhood policing team, said: "The team are aware of the issues raised and take all reports seriously.

"We have a dedicated Off-Road Team which also deal with road vehicles and bikes being used in an anti-social manner.

"There are dedicated officers who regularly patrol the local area, however if residents would like to speak to officers directly, we can arrange home visits at mutually convenient times to discuss their concerns.

"We welcome intelligence and information from the community around such issues, and encourage reporting to the team via the 101 number."