FURIOUS families are demanding action as biker yobs are "churning up" an Essex park, leaving "significant damage." The bikers are "creating slippery, hazardous conditions" for families and visitors at Victoria Park in Laindon, say angry parents.

Basildon Borough Council runs the park and says it's working to clamp down on the crime, which can see a £1,000 fine on conviction. It's the latest issue for the park, off Victoria Road, after the felling of trees that commemorated Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee in 2023, which sparked anger from politicians and residents alike.

Laindon grandmother, Pat Rackley, said: "Kids are getting in there with quad bikes. It's absolutely disgusting, with mud everywhere. The mud is so bad as you go in and it's disgraceful, people have to go another way through the park.

"We've all put in complaints to the council and we feel ignored."

The park has a playground with a "brilliant, unique space" offering an astronaut theme. The does not have a car park but there is on street parking in Victoria Road.

A worried local parent, who asked to remain anonymous, added that the damage was "particularly concerning around the children's play area."

He added: "This behaviour is extremely dangerous and wholly inappropriate in an area intended for children.

"This ongoing issue is damaging public property, putting residents at risk, and preventing the community from safely enjoying what should be a welcoming and secure local space.

"Urgent attention and coordinated action are now needed to prevent further harm and restore safety to the park." He says the council is well aware, as he's spoken to councillors and demanded that something is soon, very soon.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "We have been made aware of unauthorised access to Victoria Park.

"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."