BOY racers claim they don’t all speed around Lakeside – and only meet up to admire each other’s cars.

They say since police stepped up patrols, the shopping centre has become a no-go area for them.

Lewis Turner, 18, of Grove Road, Grays, who owns a souped-up Nissan Micra, said: “We do not all want to race.

“We want to view each others cars and that is all. But it is becoming increasingly hard to meet up because of these police restrictions.

“Two months ago there was a big meet where all the car engines were off and we just walked around to see everyone’s cars.

“No one gets hurt and noise pollution was down. However, if places like this are taken away, racers will only meet up at roadsides or other more anti-social places.”

He said police would be more than welcome to attend any of their meets, and said similar arrangements had been made in the past in places like Rayleigh.

Lewis added: “We like seeing the police involved and completely respect what they are doing.”

Police have launched a crackdown on boy racers at Lakeside and in October more than 80 people were charged for speeding offences.

Thurrock Chief Insp Ben Hodder said the car park at the new Range centre had been popular in the past with cruisers.

He added: “We have been working with landowners to improve security measures to reduce the risks around poor driving and anti-social behaviour.

“But I would be happy to arrange a meeting with cruisers to discuss concerns.”

Meanwhile, redesigning the roads around Lakeside has been suggested in a new attempt to stop racers.

Tunde Ojetola, South Chafford councillor, and Simon Wootton, North Chafford councillor, representing Chafford residents, met with Mr Hodder.

Mr Ojetola said: “A redesign is necessary. Racers would be deterred if road measures were installed, as they wouldn’t want to damage their cars.”