Travellers have angered residents after they reportedly raced ponies and traps through a popular park.

The group of travellers have caused fury among residents and councillors after walkers in Northlands Park, Pitsea, spotted pony and trap racing on Saturday night.

The travellers, with “at least four horses”, who were moved on by police from the park on Sunday, are thought to have entered the area by jumping over a low fence.

There are also reports park officials were forced to clear up a large amount of horse manure on Sunday morning.

Basildon Council is now investigating the park’s CCTV.

Craig Rimmer, councillor for Pitsea South East, is demanding action is taken to make it harder for ponies and traps to enter Basildon’s parks.

He said: “There are places where you can legitimately race ponies and traps, a public park is not one of them.

“We need to keep Northlands Park clean and child friendly.

“Having pony manure in the park could compromise the health of children.

“It’s important that this crime is investigated and all measures are taken to stop it happening again.

“They were all racing around the park.

“It’s not the first time it’s happened either.

“Residents nearby said there was a huge amount of noise at around 9pm on Saturday.

“The mess was diligently cleared up by council officers by Sunday afternoon.”

Kerry Smith, the deputy leader at Basildon Council, has said Northlands Park needs to be included in the borough-wide review of Basildon’s parks, which has been discussed by councillors. He added: “It’s very dangerous to do things like this. I’m glad it was sorted quickly.

“The borough wide review is set to cost up to £600,000, which could mean a four per cent rise in council tax.

“The Government need to pay for it, if police aren’t going to step in.

“We were lucky this time, but the county wide traveller unit and police have waved the white flag because of Covid-19.

“The Government has a choice to make, let the police tackle travellers or fund councils’ security measures to help everyone out.”