Anger after quad bikers tear up park

Families are demanding action after quad bikers have churned up a park, leaving significant damage.

The bikers are accused of "creating slippery, hazardous conditions" for families and visitors to Victoria Park in Laindon in Essex.

Basildon Borough Council, which runs the park, said it had been working to clamp down on the crime, which can result in a £1,000 fine.

"Kids are getting in there with quad bikes. It's absolutely disgusting, with mud everywhere," said Pat Rackley, a grandmother from Laindon.

"People have to go another way through the park. We've all put in complaints to the council and we feel ignored."

A worried local parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the damage was "particularly concerning around the children's play area" and has asked the council to act.

"This behaviour is extremely dangerous and wholly inappropriate in an area intended for children," he said.

"Urgent attention and co-ordinated action are needed to prevent further harm and restore safety to the park."

A spokesman for the council said: "Use of a vehicle in this location is a breach of the council's public spaces protection order - a criminal offence subject to a fine of up to £1,000 upon conviction.

"We are working with the police to identify the individuals responsible for this anti-social behaviour."

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