PEOPLE living near a Worcester canal were waiting for news today after demanding action from the city council over new gates installed on the towpath.

Residents of the Arboretum, in Worcester, are up in arms after nine sheep pen-style gates along the towpath were replaced by hinged gates.

Complaints about the gates clanging and keeping neighbours awake have been resolved, but they are still worried about motorcycles which can now access the towpath and are regularly heard "zipping along".

A petition of 147 names has been collected and presented to the city council, with a deadline of today for a response.

"We told them they've got until today to tell us what they're going to do," said Connie Davis, aged 50, whose Lowell Street home backs on to the canal.

"The council may be in breach of Article Eight of the Human Rights Act, because they're jeopardising the safety and well-being of people who use the pathway."

Apart from being upset by the noise from motorbikes, which could not negotiate the old gates, residents are angry that they were not consulted about the new ones, that cost £6,000.

"They're nice to look at - credit where credit's due - but they're totally non-functional," said Mrs Davis, a grandmother-of-two.

"The money would've been better spent on street lights or rubbish bins."

Andy Walford, principal engineer at Worcester City Council, said the gates had been changed to "allow all legitimate users to be able to use the path".

"No, motorbikes could not get through before, but neither could disabled people, horses and people with buggies," said Mr Walford.

"It's not possible to design a gate to let all legitimate users through and stop all illegitimate users."

He said the motorcycle issue was one of "illegal use of the towpath" and was a matter for the police.

Sgt Chris Allen, of Worcester police, said officers had spoken to residents about the illegal use of motorcycles around the city and were aware of, and understood, their concerns.

"While the behaviour of these motorcyclists is disrupting the quality of life in the residential areas of the city, we also know there are only a small number of motorcyclists indulging in this type of mindless and inconsiderate behaviour," he said.

"If the police are to tackle this problem effectively, we need the public's support. There are people in these areas who know the identity of these motorcyclists and I'd appeal to them to share that information with us."

Anyone with information should phone 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.