Vandals who wilfully tore up a popular sports field in cars have prompted calls for Three Rivers District Council to take action.

Several members of an online community group are outraged by the destruction of a football pitch in Leavesden Country Park committed at the weekend.

Hillingdon Times:

Deep, muddy tracks were discovered criss-crossing the field on Sunday morning (March 24) – with further damage coming from the East Lane entrance where a gate was left open, according to Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Park users fear continued vandalism will be costly to taxpayers and could even result in Three Rivers closing the field to the public.

Hillingdon Times:

Emma Mortimer, who posted pictures of the destruction online, said: “Having lived in the area for 15 years and using the park daily for the past eight years I was horrified to discover the state of the playing fields on Sunday morning.

“I first noticed a few tracks on Friday which I thought could’ve been the ranger. However, on Saturday there were more skid marks churning up the grass and by Sunday morning they’d been back and left it in this state.

“It absolutely disgusts me someone who is supposedly responsible enough to hold a licence does this.”

Hillingdon Times:

Victoria Lyons added: “This makes me so mad. Mindless damage by a selfish minority. They should be asked to put it right.

“We all should feel a sense of pride in our local area and collectively protect it.”

Martin Brooks, a historian from the area, also said: “It’s a shame some think it acceptable to damage the park. Their selfish, inconsiderate actions will no doubt cost the council and could deprive people of the use of the field.

“Although measures were taken to make the park accessible to those with mobility issues, they neglected to recognise the obvious potential for vehicles to gain access.”

Hillingdon Times:

Hertfordshire Constabulary added: “Officers visited the location to see whether there were any CCTV opportunities, but found the area is not covered by cameras.

“The team will be visiting the area more regularly as part of their routine patrols and will work with partners to ensure the location is secured in order to prevent vehicles entering the park.”

Hillingdon Times:

Three Rivers District Council, who are responsible for the land, said ongoing works to a private property next to the entrance on East Lane had created a wider access point.

It added it would repair the pitch so football can continue for the remainder of the season – and that two bollards would be installed on its own land to prevent further car access.

Leader of Three Rivers Cllr Sara Bedford said: “We take pride in the upkeep of our award-winning parks, to ensure that residents of all ages can enjoy using them for sport and leisure. When people do not respect our environment, the council is left to pick up the mess left behind and foot the bill too. In this instance we have immediately responded to the public’s concern and addressed all we can on our land.”

Hillingdon Times: