Bottle diggers targeting a Blyth park are being warned they face putting others, and themselves, in danger.
Last week the diggers targeted Ridley Park, creating an eight foot long tunnel and exposing pipework. The county council fears someone could be seriously hurt should they fall into one of these illegal holes.
The latest excavation discovered by council staff was covered with wire mesh, plastic and then a coating of leaves.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “These bottle diggers have effectively been creating underground tunnels in their hunt for bottles.
“They’re putting both themselves and other in danger, including our staff who use equipment which could easily fall through from the surface.
“We want everyone to enjoy our parks and green spaces for what they were intended and will look to take action against those who carry out illegal activities so we would ask that the diggers please stop.”
Police have been informed of the latest digging and council staff have repaired the damaged area.