DOG walkers have complained about nuisance bikers tearing up a park after a popular motocross track lost its bid to reopen.

Youngsters on scrambler bikes have been spotted causing chaos and damaging grass in Swan Mead Park, Vange.

Kerry Smith, independent councillor for Nethermayne, said he believed the problems were due to the closure of Action Park, off the A127, at Bonville Farm, Wickford.

Basildon Council ordered the track to shut in May after a breach of planning regulations. An application for it to reopen was rejected last week.

Mr Smith, a member of the planning committee, wanted Action Park to reopen, but was outvoted.

He said: “People at the planning meeting were saying it is now an eight-hour round trip to the nearest track, so it is going to be a no-brainer for some to use the parks in Basildon instead.”

The Action Park application was rejected due to noise complaints from residents in Thundersley, and concerns about development on green belt land.

Mr Smith said: “The committee has let the people of Basildon down by being more concerned about people outside the borough than residents.”

Retired soldier Peter Heath, 72, of Church Road, regularly walks his dog in Swan Mead Park.

He said: “It is a public area and these bikes come on there with no tax or insurance.

“The council and police have been made aware, but it is very frustrating because people pay their taxes and expect some action.”

Mr Heath added: “There are a lot of safety concerns.

People walk their dogs through here and young families often have picnics here.”

Mr Smith believed bikers were targeting the park as it had several exits, meaning they can get away quickly if police arrive.

A council spokesman said: “We would advise residents, if they have any concerns about dirt bikers at Swan Mead Park, to report this matter to the police to deal with, as there is a potential risk for a member of public to be harmed.”