A LARGE group of runners choose to sprint around the streets of Mowden, in Darlington, totally disregarding road safety and forcing car drivers to swerve in Edgecombe Drive which seems to be their finishing point.

Last Tuesday evening it was very foggy. I was walking my two dogs past Mowden shops when the group approached at great speed. Such was the sound of their loud chatter and pace that I thought it was a gang of youths approaching in high spirits.

The leader assured the group everything was OK and to pass me in single file. I couldn’t cross the road due to an approaching car and an oncoming blind corner. None of the runners slowed down or asked me if it was safe to pass.

My large dogs are still puppies, receiving lead training and were very distressed, unaccustomed to the level of noise and the sight of rapidly moving high visibility clothing.

One began spinning very quickly on the lead which was accentuated by the runners passing extremely closely three abreast on the pavement and road.

When I asked that they pass in single file this was met with sarcasm. The incident was distressing and intimidating.

Name and address supplied