Canvey islanders are too scared to go to their local park, for fear of being mown down by motorbike tearaways, it was claimed last night.
Residents told how the Canvey Heights park has become a no-go zone after becoming a racing track for youngsters riding scrambler bikes.
Lawrence Bowden, 56, of Smallgains Avenue, Canvey, told the Canvey East Area Forum: "The other week, nobody could use the park because there was racing round there.
"If anyone had gone there with their dog, they would have got run over.
"They've spent all that money on the park and people can't use it."
Possible solutions to the problem were put forward by other residents. They appealed to Castle Point councillors for a special place to be established on Canvey where young bikers could enjoy their pastime without disturbing the peace.
Castle Point borough secretary John Waugh confirmed: "Our leisure officers have been tasked to find a site." He agreed that the forthcoming Legacy XS youth centre on South Benfleet's playing fields would be too far away for Canvey youngsters to travel to.
Published Thursday January 15, 2004
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