FED-UP residents whose lives have been blighted for years by anti-social behaviour are urging Welwyn Hatfield Council to put an end to their problems once and for all.

Householders who live near Moneyhole Lane Playing Fields in Panshanger, WGC, want the borough council to stump up cash to install an electronic barrier at the entrance to the park.

This, they say, would stop cars from entering the area late at night and consequently help reduce yobbish behaviour.

In the last two months alone, residents have observed many youths racing their vehicles in the park and playing loud music late at night.

A frustrated Ian Barnes, who lives in Wyton, said: “The police cannot patrol the park at all hours.

“Preventing cars entering the park will stop these late night disturbances and the youths who gather around the vehicles.”

The cost of installing the barrier would be in the region of �12,000 and residents are hoping this can be funded from the council’s community chest scheme, which allows councillors to allocate money to projects in their individual wards.

Resident T K Choo said: “We are putting forward this proposal as no other workable, effective and practical solution has been offered.

“The council must listen to the residents and address their concerns going back years.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council has not received an application for Community Chest funding for a barrier at Moneyhole Lane playing fields, however, it continues to work with the Friends of Moneyhole to resolve their concerns.

“Residents have been provided with antisocial behaviour logging sheets to keep track of incidents, and a report is being written, detailing possible options for a barrier to the car park, to deter antisocial behaviour at night.

“The report will be considered by the social overview and scrutiny committee in March.”

She added: “Finesse Leisure manages the site on behalf of the council and regularly meets with the group, to develop the long term management plan for the site.”