People who use a public park are calling for action to stop cars speeding on its roads.

Residents near Preston Park in Brighton have renewed their plea to Brighton and Hove City Council following protests last year.

They are being backed by Green Party campaigners who say parks should be for people rather than cars.

Problems started when the council removed a barrier in the park to allow disabled people to get near the Chalet cafe. This also allowed other non-disabled drivers access.

Green councillor Rik Child said: "Cars have run down pets, endangered children's lives and generally spoilt the park environment so that people will not use the space.

"Many families avoid the park at the weekend as the car problem is even worse. It is not a relaxing place to spend time any more."

Green activist Anthea Ballam, who lives near the park, said: "We want the council to enforce bylaws. Rangers could do a leaflet blitz of offending cars and dish out a few small fines."

She said the council could install a gate allowing access by disabled drivers but not by others.

Belen Dilnot, from campaign group Walk in the Quiet Side, said: "We don't ask for a lot. All we want is our quiet and safe park back so we can enjoy the space with our children and take our pets for a walk.

A council spokeswoman said: "We understand the frustration of people using the park but there is no quick-fix solution."

The spokeswoman said there were notices warning people of access restrictions but disabled people had to be able to gain entry and parking attendants were not able to enforce regulations as the park was not a public highway.

She said the city council was likely to make a bid for National Lottery funding to improve the park following problems with renovation after an earlier grant.

The spokeswoman added if the bid was successful, changes would be drawn up to the park layout, which should solve the access difficulties.