YOUTHS have flouted coronavirus lockdown rules to make 'dangerous' ramps and jumps for their bikes in woodland near Ledbury.

The concern is that someone could step in one of the holes in Dog Hill Woods, Ledbury, and sprain their ankle or even break a leg.

Ledbury Town Council's groundsman has already dismantled the jumps and filled in the holes and the matter has also been reported to West Mercia Police.

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Angie Price, clerk at Ledbury Town Council, said the holes, some up to a foot and half deep, would keep on getting filled in until youths got the message.

She also raised concerns that groups of youths meeting in the woods off Cut Throat Lane are not sticking to social distancing rule designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 and said they could be going there because the skate parks and play parks were closed to contain the pandemic.

Mrs Price said: "It has been reported that groups of youths are visiting Dog Hill Woods, on a daily basis, and that they have been digging holes and using the soil to mix with fallen branches to make ramps on footpaths for use with their push bikes.

"The holes they have dug are quite deep and could cause serious injury should someone fall into them and the ramps, which are being built up on footpaths also pose a serious risk of damage to members of the public. "In order to dig these holes, whoever is doing it must be leaving home with spade in hand and we would ask that anyone who may have any information on this or any information on this or any other concerns in relation to social distancing not being adhered to that you contact the police.

"It is disappointing that this occurs at the best of times, but even more disappointing is that this is happening at a time when we are all being asked to socially distance and stay home, save lives and save the NHS. Again we would urge parents to make sure their children are not going out alone but that they take their daily exercise with you as a family to avoid the spread of the virus and so that we can get back to normal as soon as possible."

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Some people have suggested the town council but CCTV in the woods but this has been ruled out on the grounds it would not be practical or profitable with no source of power and that trail cameras would not be fit for purpose.

We reported how last week groups in Ledbury also breached the lockdown by gathering in a park, removing a bench and setting it on fire.

Reader's letter: Teens fail to keep their distance

The bench was taken from the Walled Garden and set on fire in Dog Hill Wood.

West Mercia has been contacted for comment.