A COUNCILLOR is calling for urgent action to protect Wollescote Park after a spate of vandalism.

Cradley and Wollescote councillor Richard Body has called for help from the authority after cars were found burnt out on the park which has also been churned up by off-road vehicles.

Cllr Body said a 4x4 vehicle that was found burnt out on a grassy area of the park back in November had just been moved ready for removal on January 11 when another car, a hatchback, was also set alight on the park, towards Spring Street, on Saturday January 11.

He said: "The burnt out 4x4 was moved to the edge of the park to be taken away and another arrived on Saturday night to replace it."

Cllr Body says he has also witnessed an off-road biker on the cricket pitch on Christmas night and he added: "I'm calling on the council to take action now and make sure our park is better protected against the vehicles that are getting on.

"This is a growing problem, it's going to happen again.

"Wollescote Park hasn't had any money spent on it and it's desperate for it."

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley Council's cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said: “We share the concerns of residents about anti-social behaviour at Wollescote Park.

"We have looked into the possibility of installing high fencing around the bowling green and the front of the hall, but had to rule it out because the hall is a listed building and that limits what we can do.

“The cameras at the park are being upgraded as part of a multi-million scheme to improve CCTV across the borough.

"They will be monitored centrally as a live feed, and any criminal activities will be shared with police."

Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge has recently been awarded cash to revamp the children's play area following a successful bid for CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding and cllr Shakespeare said: "Any application will be considered on its own merits and the Friends group at Wollescote would be equally welcome to make a bid.”