Youngsters on quad bikes tearing through the streets and parks of a Fife town have been branded “neanderthals”.
Fife Council co-leader David Alexander said the damage being done by the youths in Kennoway was unacceptable and pledged they would not get away with it.
Mr Alexander, SNP councillor for the area, was responding to a flood of complaints about the issue from locals fed-up with the constant biker nuisance.
Cotlands Park has been repeatedly wrecked by the anti-social behaviour over the last six months, with damage also done to local football pitches.
Fears have been expressed about the safety of those who use the park, including young children, parents with prams and dog walkers.
Mr Alexander said: “It is totally unacceptable the damage that is being done.
“If these neathderthals think they will get away with this then they are sadly mistaken.”
Labour councillor Colin Davidson said installing bollards at the park’s entrances had been mooted but deemed too expensive.
He suggested an alternative would be to ask housing officers to visit the landlords of those causing the havoc to warn them their behaviour was in breach of their tenancy.
“Why should we be spending thousands of pounds to stop two to three youngsters who, with the full acknowledgement of their families, use quad bikes to destroy parks used by ordinary people?” he said.
“We would be better re-educating them.”
Police have been criticised by some locals for not doing enough to tackle the scourge, a claim denied by local officers.
Community Sergeant Craig Fyall from Levenmouth police station said: “Our local action plan Reflector targets the illegal use of motorbikes and associated anti-social behaviour in public places.
“Over the last month officers have seized two bikes and one man has been charged in connection with road traffic offences.
“We continue to work with our partners to ensure that Cotlands Park is a safe place for the local community and visitors to use.
“I would ask anyone who witnesses illegal activity or criminality to report this to police immediately via 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
