A local campaigner has hit out at anti-social behaviour that targeted the peaceful protest in Wokingham last week.

The protest was organised by local residents and councillors to make a statement over the ‘noisy’ car meets that have been traumatising nearby residents in their homes for years.

On Saturday (22), 30 protesters met up at the Carnival Pool multi-story car-park to put their point across to the executive that they are unhappy and to press for actions to happen over the anti-social behaviour.

The residents who attended the demo were alarmed to find on arrival that ‘anti-protesters’ were occupying car park, where they were assembled, and creating a disturbance.

Maria Gee, councillor for Wokingham and co-organiser of the event said: “It was unfortunate that the counter protesters from the car meet who turned up decided to drive in an anti social manner in the car park.

“However, the noise they made only strengthened the case that they are really disturbing residents and that action has to be taken to stop this blight on residents’ lives, so that they feel safe and secure in their own homes.

There was a strong police presence at the demonstration and according to a passer-by, the cars and drivers were stopped and reprimanded for the anti-social behaviour.

The passer-by said: “The police were at the protest and had blocked the entrance to prevent the cars from leaving after they made the disruption.

“One of the drivers was arrested for driving without insurance.”

The councillor explains that she will be pressing for two actions from both the council and the local police.

“The first is for swift action to secure the car park from those who wish to use it as their personal race track.  This responsibility lies with the council.  

“Any solution should not rely on residents to take action to report disturbance each time it happens.  It must be a permanent deterrent, and I’ve not yet fully understood the argument against barriers.

“The second action I will be pressing for is a Borough wide injunction against illegal car meets.  Car meets are only illegal when they involve antisocial behaviour such as drifting, donuts, and souped up exhausts that make noises that sound like gunshots and terrify toddlers and young children.”

Ms Gee added: “I don’t have anything against peaceful car meets that don’t disturb residents. I cannot sort out venues for those type of meets, and I urge those organising car meets to contact the council or police for help in finding suitable places to meet.”