RESIDENTS in a Gwent town fear someone could be killed if a growing boy-racer problem is not curbed.

People in Newbridge say increasing numbers of youngsters race along the High Street at up to 50mph, ignoring traffic-calming measures, meeting in car parks from 6pm, revving engines and playing stereos late at night.

Nearby Blackwood has had problems for years but Newbridge residents say their town has also suffered the last few weeks.

Police say there is at least one "hotspot" where young drivers meet, in a car park near the Co-op.

Howard Stone said he nearly had an accident outside Newbridge Memorial Hall when two racing cars didn't give way and fears someone could be killed if nothing is done.

"If I'd been a less experienced driver, who knows what might have happened?"

The main road narrows three times to slow traffic and there is CCTV along the High Street but there are no speed cameras.

Sybil Griffiths, who lives on Newbridge's main road, added: "The road narrows but they take no notice, driving at about 50mph on any night."

Jocelyn Davies, resident and South Wales East AM, said more young people were congregating in Somerfield's car park and at Co-op's car park.

Councillor Michael Davies said several residents had complained to him and called for the police station, currently only open twice a week "for a few hours", to extend hours.

A police spokeswoman said: "We've not been made aware of problems with anti-social driving in the Newbridge area."