RECKLESS drivers have been criticised for turning Frinton’s prized greensward into a “quagmire”.

The irresponsible driving has also sparked calls for a play area on the green.

An area of the famous greensward has been destroyed in recent weeks by vehicles crossing the grass and ripping through the turf.

One area near Frinton Golf Club has been left looking like a muddy bog with tyre tracks trailing across the grass.

Nearby resident Tony Robinson, of Second Avenue, said: “It seems as if vehicles have been driving backwards and forwards across this area of grass.

“The damage is there for everyone to see. It is an unsightly mess.

“There are visible tyre trails across the main grass, and this corner in particular is terrible.

“It seems to be getting worse every day and is becoming an eyesore.

“There is no excuse for driving across the greensward in a heavy vehicle. It is completely selfish and destructive behaviour and it is ruining a wonderful area.”

Mr Robinson said he would like to see a traditional playground installed to block the way for vehicles and provide a facility for youngsters.

“I know we have had scaremongering stories about putting up massive basketball courts and that sort of thing on the Greensward,” he said.

“I don’t believe we should or will ever see that, but I’m talking about something small and traditional – just a see-saw and some swings.

“It would be very practical, giving us an important facility for our youngsters, while stopping cars and preserving what we have.

“I would rather take my grandchildren to such a playground than walk them past a quagmire.”

Residents would have to take any proposals for developing the greensward to Tendring Council, which owns the land.

Frinton councillor Giles Watling also hit out at the damage being caused to the greensward.

He said: “It is very difficult to stop that kind of behaviour because you have to be there to catch them, but it is very damaging.

“We want to protect our open space but we also want to keep it free to access, without gates and fences.” But Mr Watling would not support a play area on the greensward.

He added: “It is by its very nature a play area. I think it should be valued as it is and we should not be prescriptive by installing equipment.”