HEFTY fines could be imposed on teenagers who are using Bidford's Big Meadow as a racetrack.

Penalties of up to £500 could be served on young drivers found guilty of damaging the meadow in their cars.

Bidford resident Rick Shelton told parish councillors at the annual meeting of Bidford Parish Council on Monday that serious damage was being caused to the meadow.

Youths have been tearing up the meadow, performing high speed driving manoeuvres causing two inch ruts all over the surface.

"Somebody is going to get seriously hurt sooner or later, and the fact that this involves young kids is quite frightening," he said.

County councillor Brian Slaughter suggested that the parish council looks into using speed restriction by-laws to prevent any further damage being done.

Clerk Elizabeth Kidner said there are already a set of by-laws for the meadow, but the council had trouble enforcing them. But coun Slaughter said he would be happy to arrange discussions with a solicitor to help the council if it wanted to clampdown on the young drivers.

He added that they could possibly set up a camera to catch motorists damaging the meadow and serve fines of up to £500 on those caught.

Chairman William Moore said something must be done soon if the meadow is to remain a pleasant recreational area.