The future of the Park Gate MX track in Kent was dealt a huge blow yesterday when a group of riders broke Covid-19 lockdown rules, illegally gained entrance to the track to ride then left behind a burned out trail of rubbish.

Some of the culprits filmed themselves and posted it on social media. One good samaritan who was passing the entrance filmed the registration numbers of the vehicles outside the track.

Since December, Park Gate MX has been in talks with Maidstone planners who have said that they may put an enforcement notice on the track which has been used for nine years.

The organisers are still in discussions with the council to try and keep the track open, and have already had lengthy and costly advice from their planning advisor and barrister.

A statement from the track organisers said: “These riders ignored the lock down have decided to break the law and ride in the track today. If there is anyone out there that can name and shame these people, your support would be welcome. We will ban them from ever using the track in future. And if any federations could revoke their licences, that would also be a great help.”