SPEEDING bikers and foul-mouthed yobs are terrorising villagers along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and making them too scared to walk their dogs or take a stroll.

Neighbours are furious that groups of teenagers on motorbikes have spent years running dog-walkers, joggers and ramblers off the path as they race between Fobney Lock and The Cunning Man pub at Burghfield Bridge, forcing people to leap out the way or risk being run over.

Phillip Burbridge, 58, who has enjoyed the towpath for many years, contacted The Chronicle after becoming too intimidated to walk his dog Benny along by the canal.

He said: "My poor dog has almost been run over four or five times by these kids. There were even reports last year that someone's dog was killed after it was run over by a motorbike and I won't risk that happening. It's just not safe."

Mr Burbridge added: "I've called the police, I've told councillors and still nothing has changed.

"I can't believe this has gone on so long - it's awful that we have to avoid somewhere we love because of intimidation and abuse. Apart from the danger of motorbikes careering out of control, if anyone says anything to the kids they get threats and foul abuse. It has to stop."

Chris Giles, from Goodwin Close, Calcot, has also stopped using the towpath.

He added: "It's exceptionally dangerous around there now. There should be covert cameras or something. These kids run riot on the farmer's field nearby too and make the cows stampede. Something really must be done."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "The problem with incidents like this is that often the youths have scattered by the time that we have been called and arrived at the scene.

"However, anyone with any concerns or with any information about the people involved should contact the police immediately on the 24-hour non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505."