Bid to keep biker gangs out of Friday Woods in Colchester

However, residents have raised concerns about the new fencing, along Cherry Tree Lane at the entrance to Friday Woods, as a deer had to be rescued after becoming trapped.

The muntjac got caught in the wire whilst trying to enter the woods from Cherry Tree Lane.

Jackie Stephens said: “My neighbour freed a muntjac caught halfway through the wire.

“It was crying with fear and panic and he managed to push it fully through.

“Its mate was barking on the other side of the lane as it couldn’t join it.

“The fence is to stop motorcycles but the undergrowth along most of the lane is inpenetrable due to overgrown brambles and brush.

“The muntjac, badgers and other wildlife have had runs across the lane through this undergrowth for years.”

Danger - new fencing has been installed at Friday Woods in Colchester. Picture: Jackie Stephens

The fencing has been installed to stop the nuisance motorcycle gangs known for causing havoc in the woods.

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Friday Woods has been a hot spot for antisocial behaviour over the years and and in 2017 the MoD was forced to close the car park to the beauty spot to try and halt illegal activity.

Ward councillor Dave Harris said something had to be done about the bikers but residents concerns about wildlife were valid.

Cllr Dave Harris near the junction of Gurdon Road/Harrison Rd, Colchester, where a number of cars had tyres slashed by vandals.

He said: “Action was needed to keep the bikers out. It is not the place for it especially when these bikers don’t wear helmets and have no protection.

“The MoD have agreed to cut slots to let the deer through the fencing.

“One of the residents of my area, Wayne Baker, has met with the MoD and is working with them on where they should go.”

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A spokesman for MoD said illegal trail bikers were entering the military training area in the woods from Cherry Tree Lane.

He added: “Following discussions with the council we installed a new fence to stop trail bikers from accessing the area.

“We take the safety of wildlife seriously and have installed gaps in the base of the fence on Weir Lane and plan to do the same along Cherry Tree Lane once the fencing work is complete to ensure safe access for wildlife.”