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STREET RACERS are to be targeted in a police crackdown throughout Wigtownshire. For police have admitted it is only a matter of time before someone is killed in the area by the "irresponsible drivers".

Now the Galloway force are to tackle the growing concern before that scenario becomes a reality. A special initiative will run in the area this month in which police speed checks will be stepped up.

Persistent offenders will be prioritised by courts and face large fines, losing their licences and vehicles and even being jailed in extreme cases.

It comes amid growing concern in Newton Stewart where locals fear their lives are being put at risk by the "ignorant youngsters". And those sentiments are echoed in Stranraer where the town centre circuit takes in the waterfront, Queen Street and Charlotte Street in particular.

Racers can regularly be found tearing up those streets until early in the morning at speeds well in excess of the 30 miles per hour limit say locals. Not only is that a dangerous situation, but the noise also keeps residents awake at night.

Sergeant Jim Loy of the Mobile Support Group said the initiative comes on the back of an increase in complaints.

"We tried other measures and have issued warnings in the past but this has proved ineffective" explained Sgt Loy.

"We are now forced to take a more drastic approach and use different methods to tackle the problem - it is only a matter of time before someone is killed."