The youngsters are also riding there bikes through the flower beds, over the putting green and even in the newly refurbished paddling pool.

Two of the residents, George and Margaret Bould, also claim the youths have shot dead a drake who had recently fathered a raft of ducklings.

"The yobs insist on riding their bikes through flower beds and causing long term damage to lawns. It is now reported that they have killed the drake that had just fathered eight ducklings, shot squirrels and rabbits and recently a newly planted sapling was snapped off for fun. Would it be too much to ask if the park ranger could spend more time there, collecting information and evidence that could be used to ban these brainless yobs from this lovely park," they said.

"On Saturday evening these idiots turned their biking practice to the putting green, leaving some of them gouged by tyre marks. When one thinks one has seen it all, on Sunday evening they were biking in the newly opened paddling pool, yes in the water. We have reported all of these incidents to both the police and council officials. Unless this is stopped quickly this beautiful park will be ruined by these louts."

Chairman of the management committee that looks after the park, Cllr John Fretwell, said he was astounded by the stupid behaviour of the teenage gangs.

"We're spending a lot of money on the park and doing a lot of good work here. We'd like to find out who has been shooting at the animals and birds so if anyone has information they should contact the police or the council."

He added: "There is some land at the back of the park that we're hoping to use to put up some lumps and bumps so that young bike riders can use them. And we've just heard that the Sports Lottery Division has given us £70,000 for an all weather sports court for tennis, basketball and football. Hopefully, this will help direct some of their energy into better things."y 7