Residents' calls for speed limits on roads in East Bowling to be cut to 20mph are being backed by an MP and a leading councillor.

Campaigners claim joyriders and anti-social drivers are risking lives in the area populated by large numbers of children and pensioners.

They want to see the limit imposed on all the major roads as an alternative to the Council's proposals to lay speed humps, which they believe would create rat-runs through nearby streets.

Kim Sharpe, of New Hey Road, said: "It is atrocious around here. Drivers treat this area as if it is Brands Hatch.

"All day long you can hear tyres screeching and cars speeding past.

"Drivers have no consideration for the people who live here and something needs to be done before there is a serious accident."

Rupert Oliver, chairman of the East Bowling Regeneration Organisation, added: ''Children and old people are in danger from these idiots.

"This is a residential area and I believe a 20mph speed limit would be affective in cutting down speed and making our roads safer.

"But they need to backed up by police action and I would like to see road cameras installed.''

Bradford Council Labour group leader, Councillor Ian Greenwood, has met representatives of the Council's highways department to discuss traffic calming in East Bowling.

Under residents' proposals, speed limits will be slashed to 20mph on roads including Bowling Hall Road, Sheridan Street and Paley Road.

Coun Greenwood, who represents the Little Horton ward, said: "I have raised residents' concerns with the highway authority and they are undertaking a much broader assessment."

Bradford West MP Marsha Singh (Lab) is also backing the residents' pleas. In a letter to campaigners he said: "I strongly support the campaign of the residents to obtain these traffic calming measures in East Bowling. They would greatly improve safety in the area.''

Bradford Council said: "We are carrying out a traffic assessment of the East Bowling area which involves checking traffic volumes and speeds. We are then planning to hold a public meeting in East Bowling in October to discuss the findings.''