BOY racers and cruisers making life a misery for residents in a Gwent town face having their cars impounded if they ignore police warnings. That's the tough message from Inspector Jo Bull, of Gwent Police, to nuisance drivers in Blaenavon.

The Argus reported how local councillor Stuart Evans said young drivers were using Broad Street in Blaenavon as a "race track".

Councillor Evans said the lives of residents, particularly elderly people, were at risk during the evening when they went out on to Broad Street. The drivers are said to congregate in the car park at the top of Broad Street, and then race down the street at speeds of up to 50mph.

Yesterday Inspector Bull asked residents to report all incidents, adding that only a handful of complaints about nuisance driving had been received over the last 12 months - just two in Blaenavon.

She added: "In order to tackle this issue we want to encourage members of the public to contact us as soon as possible with details of any incidents and the registration number of the car."

Inspector Bull said section 59 orders under the Police Reform Act 2002 could be issued.

The orders give police the power to impound cars if the owner is caught flouting the law again within 12 months of being given the notice. Owners then have to pay a £105 fee within seven days to get the vehicle released, or face having it scrapped.

And Inspector Bull said section 59 orders could be issued retrospectively providing residents had registration details and had made a note of the incident.

Councillor Stuart Evans said residents were reluctant to report drivers because they were afraid of recriminations.

Elderly residents told the Argus previously they feared for their safety when they crossed Broad Street in the evening. But they asked not to be named. "Members of the public have got to play their part but they shouldn't be expected to do the job of the police," said Councillor Evans.

He added: "We have had a positive meeting with police and Torfaen council on this matter.

"But the bottom line is we need more police on the streets when this is happening in the evening. If they catch someone it will send out a strong message."