I AM seriously concerned about the deliberate vandalism and environmental damage being done in the Lickey Hills park.

Mountain bikers are ripping branches off, ripping trees out by the roots, digging large holes and stripping top soil off exposing the root systems and causing 'run-off' channels that, when it rains, will exacerbate matters

I have reported this on a number of occasions to the park rangers who say: "We are aware of this problem but have very little chance to do anything about it."

I have reported these people actually doing the damage at the time but still nothing is done.

Also I have been threatened by these people when I tried to point out to them the damage they were doing. They blatantly do this damage in full view most of the weekend. This is not some midnight 'covert' operation.

Today I saw three men on motorbikes ripping up the ground on the Beacon Hill at 11am. All of this also puts walkers at risk of speeding cyclists.

This unfortunately is an ever-growing group of irresponsible vandals as most mountain bikes keep to the bridle-ways.

I am sure there are environmental laws not just by-laws that can be enforced and, I personally, feel that only by imposing the full extent of the law is there any hope of preventing extensive and irreparable damage to one of our beautiful parks. Hopefully the council whose duty it is will take the necessary action to bring this anti-social behaviour to a close.

I am not alone in my views. I speak to many people who walk, horse-ride and cycle the woods who feel the same, in fact many cyclists see this as bringing to an end their being allowed access.

Hills Stroller

Lickey