Boy racers took to Facebook to complain that police had “spoilt” a car cruise event by issuing dispersal orders.

Car enthusiasts were set to meet at the Rochford Throwback event in Purdeys Way on Saturday night.

Police used legislation to ban the gathering and the drivers tried to re-arrange the meeting for Pipps Hill, in Basildon.

But after posting details of the new location, Essex Police plastered a new dispersal order on their Facebook page.

A dispersal order allows police to take action to disperse groups of two or more people if they believe that their behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result in any member of the community being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

The “Fords on the road” group replied: “The problem is we’re an easy target so they don’t need to get off their useless ass and do what MY tax pays for!

“Essex Police can go home and make out they had a hard day!”

The group later said it would be closing down “thanks to Essex Police”.

Nethermayne councillor Kerry Smith, chairman of Basildon Council’s housing and community committee, said: “This is the first I’ve heard of it but I obviously welcome any attempts by the police to keep the borough safe.

“I hope the police are able to enforce these dispersal orders following such severe police cuts.”

Councillor Stephen Ward said: “They will have to have a reason for the dispersal order.

“Chances are it’s just because of those idiots racing around speeding and doing handbrake turns in their cars. “

Police from Castle Point and Rochford wrote on their own Facebook page: “A Dispersal Order was successfully deployed at Purdeys Way, Rochford, following the reports of a planned cruiser event.

“Social media reports by the car groups blamed the police for ruining the event with questions ‘where can we meet?’ and ‘why do the police have to spoil it?’

“The Rochford Throwback event was brought to the attention of police on Thursday; two days before it was due to take place.

“Permission had not been sought from the landowner and there was concern over the disruption so many vehicles could cause travelling to and from the event.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said the Basildon dispersal order was made “for the purpose of removing and reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed or the occurrence in the locality of crime and disorder.”

Residents on Canvey have also complained about frequent car cruise events. A similar dispersal order was made there in July.