A RECREATION ground that is well used by the community of St Dennis, near St Austell, has been vandalised by e-bike riders.

Not content with riding around the village playing field and causing extensive damage to the turf, the bikers have also been targeting the children’s play area.

Riders have been deliberately spraying mud and grass all over the play equipment, play area surfaces and benches, making the area unsafe for families to use.

St Dennis Parish Council have now reported these incidents to the police, who are attempting to identify those responsible.

Anyone who has witnessed anti-social behaviour taking place in the area are urged to report it to the police as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for St Dennis Parish Council said: “Our Playing Field and Children’s Play Area is repeatedly suffering damage due to the misuse of these vehicles. This anti-social behaviour poses a real safety risk and considerable cost to rectify the damage left behind.

“Our dedicated team work extremely hard to maintain the Playing Field and Play Area as a recreation area for all to enjoy. It is incredibly disheartening for them to see their efforts destroyed every night by a small number of selfish individuals.

“All these incidents are reported to the police, and we would encourage anyone witnessing any anti-social behaviour to report it to the police straight away.”

In a post on their Facebook page, St Austell Police confirmed that the riders involved are believed to be young people that are local to the village.

They also state that any e-bikes that are linked to the suspects are liable to be seized under the Road Traffic Act and Police Reform Act.

A St Austell Police spokesperson added: “We have been in contact with St Dennis Parish Council in regards to e-bikes being ridden in the recreation ground off Fore Street on evenings which has caused extensive damage to the turf.

“The riders are believed to be young people local to the village. We are completing enquiries in an attempt to identify those responsible and increasing targeted patrols.

“Any suspects identified will be liable for prosecution for road traffic and criminal damage offences. If you are the rider or the parents of these riders, please take responsibility and ensure that they are not ridden on the road or in public places.”