Parks police have been praised for seeing off vandals making people’s lives a misery.

PARK users are enjoying peace and quiet after a drive to clear their tennis courts of vandals and nuisance youths.

Parks police officers swooped on gangs who had taken over tennis courts in South Park, Ilford, in recent months.

Users had complained that the courts had been blighted by groups of people transforming them into football pitches.

As well as youngsters jumping on nets and intimidating other players, there has also been vandalism and graffiti and park lovers have spotted groups congregating and drinking alcohol.

Tony Hoad, of South Park Users’ Group, said the problems have led to regular tennis players feeling intimidated.

But he added that parks police have been very supportive and rapidly move troublesome groups out of the area.

He said: “Their presence is an essential part of keeping the park a safe and secure place for the community.”