Calls to protect grass verges in The Harebreaks have been issued after they were reportedly damaged by contractors driving over them.

Councillor Asif Khan and Richard Smith, Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Leggatts ward by-election, first spotted tyre tracks running across a footpath and into the play area at the new “adventurous playground”.

Now they are leading a campaign for “grasscrete” to be installed on the verges, which would allow cars to park or drive on them without damaging the grass.

READ MORE: 'Inconsiderate, lazy' drivers turning green spaces into 'ugly mud baths'

“The last thing I would expect is for the verges to be torn up by people contracting for Watford council, it is totally unacceptable,” said Cllr Khan.

“I am telling residents not to ruin verges across the Harebreaks and it is the last thing that is required.

“They need to put it right as soon as possible.”

Deputy mayor Peter Taylor said the contractors who installed the new playground equipment repaired any damage before they left, and stated any vehicle could be behind the most recent destruction as it appeared on a public highway.

He added: “We want to see Watford kept in good repair and we work with our partners to make sure this happens.

“Ultimately this would be a decision for Hertfordshire County Council who are responsible for grass verges in Watford."