A FOOTBALL club owner has been urged to make this year’s summer signing a new car park barrier to help crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Colchester United boss Robbie Cowling could dip into the builder’s market rather than the transfer market if fed-up residents get their way.

Calls have been made in recent years for the JobServe Community Stadium’s car park to be put under lock and key and CCTV ramped up to tackle the ongoing issue of car enthusiasts causing a nuisance.

Dangerous drivers have frequently used the car park and adjacent United Way to hold drag races and fill the air with the sound of screeching tyres.

Mile End councillor Martin Goss has now called for the issue to be resolved once and for all amid an impassioned plea to the football club.

He said: “All someone needs to do is put in a barrier and lock-up the car park, which doesn’t seem to be beyond the wit of man but it has never been done.

“We need to look at the source of the issue as it’s a hotspot for people to turn up, wheelspin, handbrake turn and generally be a nuisance to people.

“The people doing this have no care for anyone affected by this and that for me is the biggest concern. They need to have a look in the mirror and, quite frankly, grow up.

“I don’t suppose Mr Cowling is making a lot of money out of the club at the moment and, presumably, the last thing he wants is to spend thousands on a big metal barrier, rather than a new player.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Whilst site security is a consideration for the club as leaseholder, and the approach roads a matter for Essex County Council as the highways authority, we would be open to discuss any future options regarding this matter.”

In the past, the police have invoked powers allowing them to move on boy racers turning nearby Severalls Industrial Estate into a race track.

It follows the Gazette revealing in March measures are to be installed to tackle anti-social behaviour in Smeaton Close, also in Severalls, in the form of speed bumps.