A FORMER beauty spot, ruined by cars and four-wheel drive vehicles, should be rescued and returned to its former glory, according to parish councillors.

The ford at Coughton, which adjoins the historic stately home Coughton Court, used to be a popular picnic spot with bench tables used by walkers and families enjoying the peacful setting beside the River Arrow.

But the owners of the court raised concern about the number of people congregating in the lane.

About 10 years ago, Coughton Parish Council agreed to remove the tables and allow the area to return to nature.

Since then however it has deteriorated and become an eyesore, parish councillors claim.

Vice-chairman Maureen McTavish said: "We have become very concerned it does look so unsightly and we would welcome any initiative to make it more suitable for walkers.

"We have a recurrent problem with four-wheel drive vehicles being raced up the bank and we get the odd car dumped or burned out down there.

"There was a time when the children from the school used to plant bulbs but they don't do that any more.

"It's looking more and more like a dumping ground and a race track for young people who want to let off steam."

Mrs McTavish said the parish council would be happy to get involved in a scheme but it needed the help of other villagers.

No-one from Coughton Court was available for comment as the Chronicle went to press.