Travellers have angered residents after they reportedly raced ponies and traps through a popular Pitsea park.

The group of travellers have caused fury amongst residents and councillors after walkers in Northlands Park spotted pony and trap racing on Saturday night.

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The travellers who were moved on by police from the park on Felmores Road, in Pitsea, on Sunday, are thought to have entered the park by jumping over the fences.

There are also reports park officials were forced to clear up a high amount of horse manure on Sunday morning.

Basildon Council is now investigating the park's CCTV.

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Craig Rimmer, councillor of the Pitsea south east, is demanding action is taken to make it harder for ponies and traps to enter Basildon's parks.

He said: "There are places where you can legitimately race ponies and traps, a public park is not one of them. We need to keep Northlands Park clean and child friendly.

Having pony manure in the park could compromise the health of children. It’s important that this crime is investigated and all measures are taken to stop it happening again.”