An angry pensioner has hit out after a children's play area was "extensively and unnecessarily" vandalised just days after it reopened following lockdown.

The roundabout area in the playground off Southern Way, Folkestone, was fenced off by the council after cracks formed in the ground.

But since then, it is alleged children gained access through the fence and started removing parts of the soft surface before throwing it around the park.

It could be weeks before the damage can be fixed.

Barbara Plumley, who was part of the original committee who helped set up the play area, said: "I am appalled by the vandalism which has been done to the roundabout area.

"The play park was closed all during lockdown for just over three months and then reopened in July.

"Two days after the park opened, I informed Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) of the damage to the surface area by the roundabout.

"FHDC came and fenced the area off.

"In the last two weeks children have been entering the fenced off area and opened it up.

"They have been removing the surface and throwing bits all around the play park. This area is unsafe as the fencing could fall on the children.

"The surface is quite damaged and would cause trips hazards to children and adults."

Pictures show holes in the flooring at the park, known as the Danni & James Community Friendship Park or D&J Park, which was named after two pupils of St Mary’s School who came up with the idea to put play equipment on the land.

Funding for it 12 years ago came from the Roger De Haan Trust, the district and town councils, Southern Water and residents, including Mrs Plumley.

"I am very angry at the way this has been vandalised," Mrs Plumley added. "It seems nobody cares.

"Children want a play park but constantly destroy it."

Cllr Mary Lawes, from Folkestone Town Council, said she was "shocked" at the state of the park: "These play parks had been closed for three months and as soon as they open for children to enjoy, they get vandalised.

"I am aware it has been difficult to source materials at the moment. But the longer this area is left to get worse the more of a danger it becomes to younger children."

A spokesman for FHDC said: “The play area has suffered extensive and unnecessary damage - and we will have to completely renew the wetpour surface as a result.

"It goes without saying that this type of anti-social vandalism is indefensible to us and the local community.

"We are awaiting quotes for materials and the repair work will be carried out when possible, although it is unlikely to be before the end of the school holidays."

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