POLICE are to crack down on dangerous drivers speeding through the streets of a town late at night.

People in Rawtenstall have complained about young men who gather at Asda and then race along the Haslingden bypass and Haslingden Road as well as other parts of the town.

Police have said they will target the offenders and seize their cars if necessary.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “These idiots will kill someone eventually. They hurtle along making a fearful racket.

“They probably think because they do it late at night they’re not putting other road users and pedestrians in harm’s way but they’re sorely mistaken. It needs to stop before they kill themselves or someone else.”

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, has been contacted by worried people.

She said: “We have been made aware by concerned residents about an issue in Rawtenstall of people racing cars very late and loudly through the town centre, which is obviously highly dangerous and completely unacceptable.

“We take this issue very seriously and fully understand how distressing this is for residents impacted by these selfish actions.”

She raised the issue with police and has now had a full briefing from Insp Dave Clarke about the issue and actions the police are planning to take.

She said: “The police have assured me that they are taking a number of measures to try to address the anti-social and highly dangerous behaviour that has been noted as taking place across Rossendale recently.

“In Rawtenstall they will visit Asda – where drivers have been gathering at night – to talk to the store’s management and ascertain the current situation and how they can target it best.

“Warnings will be handed out and, if necessary, the police will use powers to seize any offending vehicles.

“The police will also be targeting other locations across Rossendale where complaints have been raised and using the same powers.”

She added: “With regards to issues on the Haslingden bypass, this is policed as part of the motorway network and so these complaints have been passed on to the motorway police to take action.

“I’m delighted with this direct, targeted action from the police and I hope residents can see we continue to take this issue very seriously and fully understand how distressing this is for residents impacted by these selfish actions.”

Insp Clarke said: “We have been made aware of problems involving anti-social driving at several locations in Rossendale and will be targeting these areas.

“Police do have the power to seize vehicles being driven in an anti-social and inconsiderate manner and we will be keen to utilise those powers to target those who are causing distress or annoyance.”