BOY racers are turning Holmfirth into a potentially lethal speedway, say the town's Conservative councillors.
The Tories have hit out at both the speedsters and police who, they say, are doing nothing about the problem.
Clrs Ken Sims, Donald Firth and Nigel Patrick accused police of inactivity and arrogance and fear a driver or pedestrian could end up dead.
But an angry Chief Insp Martin Sykes, the man in charge of operations around Huddersfield, has hit back.
He said his officers had been working tirelessly to deal with the boy racers and wider issues of anti-social behaviour throughout the area.
The councillors' comments came after a Holme Valley South Area Committee meeting.
Clr Sims said of the police's attitude: "They are trying to wash their hands of the problem."
Clr Patrick said the bobbies were failing the public, adding: "They seem to think this problem does not exist, or that it will go away. But these boy racers are at it every night."
Clr Firth said police had ignored offers of help.
He added: "The councillors, the public and the business association all offered to work together with the police to stop crime and antisocial behaviour in Holmfirth.
"The police response was that it was `tough' and that there are greater and more important crime areas to concentrate on than Holmfirth."
Chief Insp Sykes replied: "I consider they are trying to use the police service for their own political aims."
He described the approach taken towards the young drivers and said: "Road traffic officers have been on patrol.
"They have spoken to the individuals about their behaviour.
"They do still meet, but then again, meeting up is not a offence.
"The police have been working down there."
Chief Insp Sykes reminded the councillors that their ward was the first area in Kirklees to have Community Support Officers.
He added that police had worked in Victoria Park and with youth organisations around the town.
They were also looking at licensing issues in Holmfirth following the area committee meeting.
"This was a very, very positive meeting of the committee.
"Lots of good things came out of it and it's a shame they can't concentrate on the positive aspects of that meeting," added Chief Insp Sykes.
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