Bikers run riot in Northlands Park, Pitsea

Police responded to numerous reports about off-road bikers at Northlands Park on Monday, after concerns were raised about the group causing trouble at the site.

Although the riders, who councillors fear are causing noise and damage at the park, managed to flee the scene, officers will now be patrolling the area.

Luke Mackenzie, councillor for Pitsea South East, urged residents to not let a small minority of people ruin their visit to the park.

He said: “I drive a motorbike myself, but I do it on the road. 

“These bikers are not only damaging the park by doing this, but they are causing noise, disrupting the animals which live there along with families, and also putting themselves at risk.

“I do understand people’s concerns, but the park is relatively safe and I hope new measures will put minds at ease.”

It comes just over a week after a woman in her 20s was robbed at the park on Felmores Road.

The victim was approached from behind and pushed to the ground before a man reached into her bag and stole her money.

A man was also stabbed on Ashlyns Road - just beside the park - at the end of February, and fears were raised shortly after that the site has become a playground for drug dealing.

Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan, has assured action is being taken - and says park wardens are set to be out on patrol from April 1, deploying mobile CCTV cameras across Northlands Park and other open spaces.

He added: “After more than 900 police officers sacked since 2010, 75 per cent of Basildon’s PCSOs sacked and four out of five of the borough’s police stations closed, we can’t wait around for empty promises whilst crime is rising.”

A Pitsea resident, 66, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I’m not far from the park so it is a worry for those of us that live nearby. 

“It’s too dangerous to even go and walk your dog. The trouble is they gang up together on these bikes, and they don’t care who they pick on.”