Paul Maher, a member of Blairdardie and Old Drumchapel Community Council, raised concerns over bikes travelling at speed in built-up areas, including outside of nurseries and on footpaths.

The issue was brought to light at a meeting of the Drumchapel/Anniesland Area Partnership on September 17.

Speaking at the meeting, Paul said: “The dirt bikes are out from around 11.30am and they run up and down the bridge over the canal.

“When my dog hears them, she hides. They fly over that bridge, and it’s an accident waiting to happen.

“Something has to be done. On one occasion, I reported the issue three days in a row on 101, and it took me an hour and a half to get through.

“The bigger picture is we need to be lobbying MPs to get proper funding and support for the 101 service.

“It doesn’t matter what time of day you phone, it always says ‘we’re experiencing a high number of calls’.

“That’s just wrong. If this is the case, then the system is not fit for purpose. We need to lobby to get more feet on the ground as community councillors and councillors, as this is happening within our neighbourhoods.”

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It came after Inspector Siobhan Paterson, of Police Scotland, provided an updated report on crime within the ward to the meeting.

The report covered the period between April 30 and September 14 and revealed that officers are experiencing ‘difficulties’ in dealing with the bikes.

This included calls not being attended.

Inspector Paterson commented: “E-bikes, dirt bikes, and scooters are still causing annoyance. When these calls come in, the situation is assessed in terms of what else is ongoing at the time.

“If the police are called and not seen to be there, I do take that on. Where possible, we will try to minimise that.

“There are intelligence gaps for us there. If callers could provide descriptions, bike types, and as much detail as possible, that would be helpful.

“There is a contact us section online if you’re having issues getting through to 101. It is a frustration that is shared.

“In terms of the bikes, we have strict processes. When a call comes through, and if officers are allocated, they can’t pursue if the bikes are in too much of a built-up area, especially next to nurseries and footpaths.

“There are some situations where that difficulty comes in. If there are things we can do better, I’m happy to come out and talk about that.”

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Residents were also urged to remain vigilant as the darker nights and mornings begin.

Inspector Paterson added: “The number of incidents reported for the ward during this time has remained static, with maybe a couple of numbers between the same period last year.

“Actual incidents recorded have marginally increased. Not all incidents reported become recorded crimes, and there could also be multiple reports of one incident.

“Thefts have reduced, vehicle crimes have reduced, assaults have remained static, fraud has reduced, hate crimes have remained static, housebreakings have reduced, drugs have remained static, and disturbances have increased slightly.

“Thefts are mainly at retail shops across the ward, and we are working with those premises that experience higher than average incidents.

“We are coming into darker nights and mornings. We are reminding people to be vigilant. If there are any vulnerable people who you think might benefit from a visit from officers to make them feel safe in their homes, let us know.”