The man, who did not wish to be named, says the lives of people living near and passing through the area near the mining statue on Station Road are being made a misery by the gang.

According to the man, the youths are aged between eight and 13 and are normally 15-strong.

He said they meet up most nights and hang around the statue, riding round on bicycles and intimidating pedestrians and motorists, sometimes even spitting at them.

"They are not worried about causing trouble because they know they will get away with it," the man said.

"The police have been told and they came down one night and asked the gang to move on.

"But the next night, the youths were back harassing and terrorising. Why should people in the area have to go on living like this?

"They hurl foul-mouthed abuse at innocent people walking past and circle them on their bikes if they say something to them.

"They even pick on cars and if the driver objects, they surround the cars on their bikes, sometimes on the roundabout near Tesco. It is sheer intimidation."

The man admitted that he went to the aid of a woman the gang targeted but believe the youths would not think twice about attacking him, his car or house if they knew who he was.

"I saw a woman walking down Station Road," he said, "The youths intentionally splashed her with dirty water from puddles and surrounded her.

"She was soaked, so I went to help her and they started to surround me and threaten me. They were saying stuff like they would get their dad to kill me. How long will it be before someone gets hurt?"

Now the man wants people to come forward and speak up if they have also faced problems with the gang.

"I know of others who have experienced trouble with this lot and I am sure there must be more," he added.

"The only way to stop this is if people speak up. They shouldn't be able to rule an area like they are at the moment."