Residents in Greater Leys say motorbikes being ridden on pavements have become a big danger to children on the estate.

Neighbours close to the playground near Brooklime Walk say youths on mopeds treat paths as a cut-through.

But with the park and footpaths being regularly used by young families, they say it is just a matter of time before there is a serious accident.

Resident Nick Snell said: “This is something a few of us have been in touch with the police and councillors about quite a few times now.

“We are having a lot of problems with young people riding down the pedestrian area on mopeds and bikes.

“They go at full pelt and we are all really concerned someone is about to be killed.”

Mr Snell said neighbours along the street had raised concerns about the problem.

They reported two or three people riding down footpaths near Brooklime Walk, Avens Way and Long Ground.

Mr Snell, 44, said: “This is not an area which is quiet, it is very busy and used by children, families and mums pushing prams.

“So when you have got motorbikes speeding along there, all it would take is for a child to run out and who knows what would happen?”

He added: “We’d really like something to be done about this now, before it’s too late.”

Greater Leys resident and city councillor Stuart Craft said: “This is something we’ve come across before in Greater Leys. It is not motorcyclists with licences causing the problems, it tends to be younger residents without those.”

He added: “It would be very good to highlight this campaign so residents can let the authorities know when there is a problem. Childrens’ lives are at risk here.”

Greater Leys resident David Troth was knocked off his feet and his pet dog Jazz was blinded in one eye when a young motorcyclist hit them in Greater Leys in 2006.

Last night he said: “I’ve given up with this, it’s a problem that has been going on in Greater Leys for years.

“The bikes need to be confiscated, the people riding them need to be arrested and that just isn’t happening.

“They have hit me, they have hit my dog and I’ve seen them hit other people all the time. It’s dangerous.”

Sgt Rob Axe, from Blackbird Leys neighbourhood team, said: “We are putting something together to hopefully put and end to this.

“We will make the team aware of these locations so that we can focus our efforts on these individuals.”