Furious residents today hit out at Bradford Council's decision to erect a metal fence around a mound of earth to deter joyriders.

Allerton couple Barbara and Terence Binns said the 2ft high fence put up around a massive mound was acting as a challenge rather than a deterrent to joyriders.

The mounds were put on grassland near Saffron Drive, Allerton, about two years ago to deter joyriders and travellers.

But the rubble and earth became a dumping ground and residents complained that the mess was creeping closer to their front doors.

The Council responded by seeding the mounds and erecting a fence around them. But the fence was damaged on the day it was put up and residents say their lives are still being made a misery by joyriders.

Mrs Binns, 60, said she was at the end of her tether.

"On the same day that the fence was put up youngsters pulled it down," she said. "That night we had two cars rammed into the fence. It hasn't acted as a deterrent, more as a challenge."

"There are at least three car fires here a week. We heard that the fence cost thousands and yet it was pulled down in a few hours. If the Council is spending money like that on useless things like that fence then someone needs to ask why."

Neighbours claimed to have given police names and information but so far nothing has been done.

One said: "We call the police but the lads run away before they get here so no-one is caught."

Councillor John Buffham (Cons, Thornton) said something drastic had to be done.

He said: "The fence is clearly not working and the Council has to do something. The area is unsightly and the vandals are still getting in. The fence is not high enough - it is a bit pointless really.

"The Council needs to take decisive action. What has been proposed so far has not worked and it is making the lives of decent residents hell.

"It is a real shame for the people who live here. Something has to be done with the land, either sell it off or deal with the problem properly."

A Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the problems that joyriders are causing and our Tenancy Enforcement Team is working with the police to help apprehend those involved.

"We have installed 90 metres of railings - at a cost of £3,260 - around the grass mounds in a genuine attempt to deter these people, but clearly we must now look at other measures. These will be discussed with the Saffron Dean Community Association.

"These joyriders are a nuisance to residents and place added pressure on Council budgets. We would urge the public to help tackle this vandalism by contacting the police."