RESIDENTS of Greenock's Esplanade say they are being terrorised by anti-social motorists tearing along it into the early hours.

One elderly man who contacted the Telegraph said on recent occasion there were seven or eight cars revving up and speeding along the street at the same time, with their modified exhausts making loud banging noises until 2am in the morning.

The man said it 'sounded like gunshot noises' and added that residents at Seafield House sheltered housing complex have been left in in tears by late night disturbances on the street.

He said he had spoken to police and Councillor Chris McEleny on three occasions.

The Telegraph contacted the councillor, who said he was aware of the problem.

He said: "I have asked for increased patrols in the area from the community warden service who as part of our wider community safety team work in partnership with Police Scotland."

Ward councillor Elizabeth Robertson says that she does not like the term 'boy racer' but did confirm that speeding had been a problem on the Esplanade for a long time.

She told the Telegraph: "The issue is cars speeding late at night.

"It is an issue for residents in the area and has been for many years.

"In 2017 at the Cardwell Bay & Greenock West Community Council it was raised and a public meeting was a held at the boat club and 75 people came along.

"We had asked police, community wardens and the roads department to attend.

"The officers from all agencies were great and listened to what people had to say but the consensus was that in terms of priorities, the Esplanade wasn't up there and there were bigger issues requiring resources elsewhere."

She said a group of residents held subsequent talks with her and that the range of available plans to deal with the problem would need some investment.

Councillor Robertson added: "At a particular point people pulled back from taking the suggestions any further."

Greenock police say this type of behaviour is not confined to the Esplanade and that they are trying to tackle it.

Sergeant Jason Logsdon said: "Acting on concerns raised by our communities, police are investigating a number of complaints regarding motorists who are using their vehicles in an anti-social manner at various locations in Inverclyde.

"Some of the issues include excessive engine revving, speeding in car parks, hard breaking, tyre screeching and wheel-spinning.

"We have been working with our partners and the community to help gather as much evidence as possible to allow us to utilise anti-social behaviour legislation to deal with offences attributed to these motorists.

"Last week police issued three anti-social behaviour warning notices and any repeat offence by either the driver, or an incident involving the same cars, during the next 12 months gives police the power to impound the vehicle at the owner's expense.

"We appeal to these drivers to stop this kind of anti-social behaviour - think about the people you are affecting and act responsibly or we will take appropriate action.

"We will target the individuals who continue to cause these problems and we are encouraging people to report issues as they occur, take note of vehicle registrations and if any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage exists we can use this to invoke the legislation."

* To report anti-social drivers call police on 101, Inverclyde Community Wardens on 0800 0131701 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.