A COUNCIL chief has asked for the public's help in preventing illegal motorcyclists shattering the peace of Whitby Park.
Over the past couple of years, the Stanney Lane park has been transformed by a Heritage Lottery grant of more than £1m.
Work has been done to enhance its historical features while updating it for modern-day use.
But a spate of illegal motorbike riding has been reported in the park.
Council officials say this is not only dangerous for people using the park but also damaging and costly.
Borough parks development officer Peter Campbell said: 'Everyone can keep an eye out for incidents in the park.
'Any incidents can be reported directly to gardeners,
volunteer rangers or the police. Members of the public should not confront nuisance motorcyclists themselves, simply report them.'
He added: 'The actions of this small minority will not be allowed to spoil the enjoyment for the vast majority of people who use the park's facilities appropriately.'
Recent improvements to the park's safety and security have included improved lighting, floodlighting for the activity court, paths with lighting and CCTV in the main car park and at Whitby Hall.
The park also has year-round supervision by two site-based community gardeners and, during summer, a recreation attendant is available.
The Friends of Whitby Park and volunteer rangers regularly patrol the park. The park also forms part of Cheshire Constabulary's Community Action Team's beat.
Anybody wishing to report any damage at the park should contact the council on 0151 356 6873 or on 0151 355 0202, the out-of-hours contact.
The police can be contacted on 01244 350 2222.
