REGULAR visitors to Dartford Heath have joined police to help clean it up.

Motorbike thugs, fly-tippers and people committing indecent acts spotted by vigilant heath-users will be noted down and reported.

Fed-up dog walkers and ramblers volunteered to help at a public meeting, held in Wentworth Primary School to discuss the problems and to form an action plan.

Bernadette Hughes, 51, of Hillcrest Road, said: "It is awful. Some of the dumped rubbish is left there for years and the gay cruising problem is so bad, I am scared to let the children out on the heath because of what they might see."

Mr Drew, 73, of Eggerton Close, added: "We took our two young grandchildren out on the heath one day and were harassed by a motorcyclist.

"He came out of nowhere and scared us all. It ruined the day and we haven't taken them there since."

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the police and Dartford Council.

Inspector Laird of Dartford police said: "This is not vigilante action, we do not want the public to confront people."

Reports can be made to the council on 01474 343684.

January 29, 2003 17:00