Boys 'frustrated' as vandals target bike track

Ethan R helps look after the bike track and creates ramps for it in Hadleigh

Two boys said they had been left "frustrated" after ramps they created on a bike track were vandalised.

Ethan J and Ethan R, both 16, from Hadleigh, Suffolk, have permission to ride on the track in woodland at The Fuzz, just off the town's Railway Walk.

However wooden ramps they spent hours working on have been destroyed and tree branches were reportedly placed over parts of the track.

They said they did not know who was targeting them, but added they would not be put off returning to the area.

The boys said they still had a number of ramps available despite the vandalism

"It's really frustrating because we don't know who it is," Ethan R said.

"They've clocked on what times we come down here and what times we haven't, and they wait for us to go so we can't really do anything about it.

"This is what we love, this is what we do and we can't do it now because it's been destroyed."

The landowner gave permission for the boys and others to make use of the land for their track and they ensure it is kept litter free.

"We're really nice lads, we're friendly to everyone that comes down here and we like to help people with their bike riding," Ethan R continued.

"We'll build [the ramps] back up because it's a nice thing for everyone to [use]."

Ethan J said the boys had spent countless hours making the ramps

Ethan J explained the ramps on the track took time to build.

"We spend hours and hours in the afternoons and at night with torches building away trying to make sure that they are perfect for the community and for us to ride," he said.

"There's not much in this town that we can really do besides riding... we get great enjoyment out of it and a lot of other people do."

Charlotte, one of the boys' mothers, said more children should be encouraged to get outside and enjoy the countryside

Charlotte, who is one of the boys' mothers, was equally frustrated by the vandalism.

"This is what kids should be doing - being outside and playing," she said.

"It is just very sad that some people think they shouldn't be here and taken it upon themselves to destroy their work.

"They're not harming anybody and people are actively coming out here and laying branches so they will fall off their bikes.

"They're laying out brambles - who does that? What sort of person would want to hurt children?"

Suffolk Police has been approached for comment.