Bikers are wrecking Canvey's first country park and turning it into a dumping ground, it was claimed today.

Ruined - Dave Blackwell, Anne Wood and Jenny Wright survey some of the damage Picture: ROB BROWNE

Leader of the Canvey Independent Party, Dave Blackwell, spoke out after watching dog walkers dodge motorbikers, quad bikes and youths on scooters tear up Canvey Heights, at Newlands.

New picnic tables have been smashed by bikers using them as ramps and the area behind the park has become a no go area, regularly featuring burnt out cars.

The fence at the back of the park has been smashed allowing bikers access to the ground.

Mr Blackwell said: "The sad fact is that something which started out as an excellent idea has ended up being nothing more than a dumping ground.

"People don't want to go there anymore - it's wrecked."

Rayleigh police can be contacted on 01268 775533.

Published Wednesday July 21, 2004

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