YOUNGSTERS who ripped down a fence to play basketball despite a ban due to Covid have been told to think about the wider consequences of their actions.

The fence at the Old Heath Recreation Ground, in Colchester, was damaged last week.

Colchester Council closed all its sports courts and skateparks earlier this year after groups began congregating despite Covid rules.

It is alleged “about 30 youngsters” broke down the fence in order to play a game of basketball last week.

Mike Lilley, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said the fencing around the court was taken down by the group who were eager for a game.

“The fencing was ripped down so about 30 youngsters could play basketball,” he added.

“The complaints came in on Thursday, and the police attended during the weekend.”

Mr Lilley is urging people of all ages to abide by the Governemnt’s coronavirus regulations, and not congregate in large groups.

“We don’t want to stop people from exercising, but we cannot meet in large groups even if the weather is nice,” he added.

“They could be catching Covid and taking it home to their parents or grandparents.”

Last week Essex Police also handed out fines to two men, aged 21 and 19, who were among about 20 adults and children found playing basketball at the closed court.

The force had upped patrols of skate parks and recreation grounds across the town over the sunny weekend.

It said it had also had complaints about people using the area around Firstsite as a skate park.

A spokesman for the Colchester team said: “We have been receiving a large number of complaints around the use of Colchester skate parks and the area around Firstsite being used as a skate park.

“The local council have closed all skate parks, ball courts and basketball courts and therefore they should not be being used as the link below shows.

“People should also not be congregating around Firstsite to use the area as an unofficial skate park.”

Colchester Council closed the skate parks and courts after as many as 80 people congregated at the skate park near Leisure World.

It sparked concerns about large groups and a lack of social distancing.