YOUNG drivers who have transformed a town centre car park into a race track are to be targeted in a new police initiative after a leading councillor was almost knocked down.

Boy racers who congregate on the Blackburn Shopping Centre multi-storey car park in souped-up cars have left shoppers and motorists fearing for their lives.

Owners of the shopping centre Standard Life today revealed they are also looking at introducing round-the-clock parking fees in a bid to keep the youngsters and their souped up cars out.

The action follows dozens of complaints to Blackburn Police about the antics of a number young drivers who have been congregating on the car park.

Unlike the town's other car parks, which are often empty once shops shut and offices close, the shopping centre car park is used around the clock.

Not only is it used by council workers and councillors using the town hall in the evening, it also provides the only access to Blackburn's biggest nightclub, Utopia, and is a route used by revellers walking from pubs in Church Street to Northgate.

Sgt Dave Sherrington from Blackburn Police said: "There is a considerable problem at night time with young drivers congregating on the car park above Blackburn Shopping Centre and using it as race track.

"We will be acting in the area to find out who is responsible using various techniques following a lot of complaints.

"We hope this means the problem will be solved in the future. Such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."

One council employee told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I often work late and park on the car park. I have gone on there before fearing for my life as the youngsters rev their engines and do handbrake turns.

"I have waited for more than an hour for them to go in the past."

Council leader Bill Taylor is among those who have complained to the police about drivers after he was forced to jump out of the way of a speeding car.

He said: "I have taken this up at a senior level within the police because I do not think it is acceptable."

A spokesman for Standard Life said: "I can confirm we are talking to the police about the problems being experienced on our car park.

"We are happy to work with them and the local authority about this as well.

"At the same time, we are looking at what we can do to stem the problem. One idea is to introduce a ticketing system at night which would charge people to get in the car park at night where appropriate. That should hopefully put people off."