BOY racers are using a car park as a racing track and putting children's lives at risk, residents claim.

People living in William Street, Blackwood - whose houses are behind the High Street car park - claim two cars have recently ploughed through the fence and into their back lanes.

And they told the Argus that in the latest incident, on Saturday evening, children were playing not far from the spot where the accident happened.

They claim the car park is often like "Brand's Hatch" in the evenings - with young motorists speeding up and down, blaring out loud music and playing "midnight football" until the early hours.

One resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said he was in his bathroom on Saturday evening when he heard a noise outside.

"I looked out of the window and saw the car come down the bank and five people running away," he said.

He added people living in William Street have to put up with an "unbearable" situation seven nights a week - and they are worried that a child is going to be seriously hurt. The residents have now submitted a 109-signature petition to Caerphilly council asking for the car park to be closed with barriers after a certain time each evening.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge is supporting the residents' calls. He visited the car park at the weekend and said he had seen two cars racing up and down as early as 6.15pm.

He is also asking the council to consider replacing the fence with a concrete wall. "I am concerned about residents' safety. This situation is unacceptable.

"It is essential measures are taken immediately, especially with young children at risk from this anti-social behaviour," Councillor Etheridge added.

Sergeant Rhydwyn Harris, of Blackwood police station, confirmed officers had been called to an incident at the car park at 7.20pm on Saturday.

He said the car had been recovered by police and that inquiries were continuing. Sergeant Harris added that police had run a joint operation with Caerphilly council recently, to issue tickets to people committing offences in the car park.

"We would urge residents to continue to contact us if they are having problems," he added.