Security patrols have increased at a Waltham Abbey park after the Guardian revealed it was being advertised for group sex sessions between strangers.

  The Gunpowder Park off Sewardstone Road, was being touted on "dogging" sites, which pre-arrange sexual encounters between strangers.

  One website ‘user’ advertised the park, which is popular with young families, saying: "Very secluded and have seen and joined in some great fun over there.

  "Best time after 10pm and a lot of the doggers tend to head into the fields by the information centre. Come and join us sometime."

  Now site owner Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA)have upped night time security patrols in order to clamp down on perverts using the park.

The move has been welcomed by Cllr Liz Webster, the former chairman of the LVRPA.

She said: "I'm so pleased that the authority is taking a responsible attitude to this problem.

"They will take strong action against these people, they have similar powers to the police and will use them.

"Because we're a little bit rural we get all these ragamuffins thinking they can come out here and do whatever they like, well, they can't.

"It beggars belief, these people have no sense of responsibility or decency and I find it disgraceful."

  A LVRPA spokesman said: "Lee Valley Regional Park has proactive and effective security in place throughout the Regional Park.

  "We take the well-being and safety of our visitors very seriously and our staff work hard to provide a welcoming environment for everyone.

  "We have received no reports of this kind of behaviour at Gunpowder Park but will increase security patrols as a precautionary measure.

  "We welcome anybody with further information or who witnesses any antisocial behaviour within the Regional Park to contact our Ranger Operations Manager on ajannaway@leevalleypark.org.uk or 01992 709 914.