A PLAN to protect the beauty and heritage of a local park for the next 80 years is being prepared.

Leavesden Country Park, which includes the site of the old Leavesden Hospital, provides a natural boundary between Abbots Langley and Watford - running to East Lane, Bedmond, in the north and Langley Lane in the south.

Playground equipment, tennis courts and a football pitch have already been installed and now Three Rivers District Council is looking at ways to preserve the park for future generations.

Picnic benches, seating, sign posts and information boards costing £10,000 are the short-term improvements for the park that have already been agreed.

Residents and councillors who attended the Abbots Langley local area forum on Wednesday night heard it was necessary to have a plan in place to cover issues including park access, habitat management, trees and vegetation, youth facilities and the promotion of physical activities for adults.

The forum also heard from crime prevention officer Gary Sibson, who spoke about ways to make the park a safer place.

Acting on the comments of members of the community, he said the main concern was the number of motorcycles riding through the park at high speeds.

He said: "The one serious problem we have is motorcycles driving in a dangerous and reckless manner.

"We just want them to stop racing on the roads."

Mr Sibson suggested new gates at the main entrances to block the gaps used by motorcyclists to gain access to the park which is the location of YMCA Woodlands.

He said: "We need to make it as inconvenient as possible for them.

"There is also the possibility of improving lighting in certain areas but we do not want it lit up like a Christmas tree.

"And we will be looking at areas of the park which do not have a safe feeling around them, which aren't used by many people."

Chairman Stephen Giles-Medhurst described the park as a "unique estate for the residents of Three Rivers", and a consultation is set to take place over the next 12 months to draw up a management plan for the park.

Residents, shopkeepers or other members of the community who wish to contribute their views should write to Julie Hughes, Principle Planning Officer, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth WD3 1RL.

The next Abbots Langley local area forum will take place at the Manor House Sports and Social Centre, Gallows Hill Lane, on Tuesday, June 26. For more information telephone Joanne Stewart on 01923 727250.