A MODEL railway could permanently close after constant vandalism prompted major safety fears for families.

The Canvey Model Railway, off Somnes Avenue, will stay shut for the rest of the year following another week of damage which saw fences burned, then repaired, and damaged again.

A group of up to 20 youngsters were seen using the train stations for parties, leaving dozens of bottles behind.

Bosses have now threatened permanent closure, with train lines left exposed and with a bill of more than £10,000.

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Secretary Brian Prior, said: “This has been going on for a long time, and there’s been several incidents recently.

“A few weeks ago, the fences were all burnt by these people.

“We then repaired them last week, but they’ve been torn out and thrown everywhere this week.

“Last weekend they also used the stations for parties. I must have counted at least 15 bottles that were left behind.

“We can’t have the site being unsafe for children. There’s nothing stopping anyone from running onto the track at the moment.

“We’re going to be replacing the wooden fences with metal ones from now on.”

In December last year, Essex Police issued an appeal in the hope of stopping the “extensive criminal damage” at Waterside Sports Centre, which the model railway club uses.

The model railway offers families sit on steam train rides across several routes.

The summer season for the model railway club ends in October, and Mr Prior isn’t holding out hope of opening before then, due to the damage caused.

A spokesman for the Canvey Model Railway, said: “Due to ongoing criminal damage to our site it is looking like we will not be open at all in 2021.

“On Sunday we arrived to find another £1,500 worth of damage.

“The club members are getting very disheartened by this and are starting to lose the interest in keep repairing all this damage.

“The future of the Canvey model railway is at risk of not returning.”

Essex Police was contacted for comment over the vandalism.