A “neglected” park blighted by anti-social behaviour and ailing facilities is set for a long-anticipated revamp thanks to campaigners.

Northdown Park, in Cliftonville, Margate, which surrounds the stately Northdown House, could soon host a cafe alongside an “outlet for light bites and refreshments”.

The park recently came under fire with a petition signed by 539 people calling for its restoration following a spate of criminal activity.

Now, Thanet District Council (TDC) has agreed to give the space a significant makeover in plans similar to Ramsgate’s Jackey Bakers playing fields.

The council-owned Grade II-listed Northdown House was managed by Your Leisure, but its future was thrown into doubt when the firm terminated the lease, KentOnline revealed.

Until now the authority has only committed to carrying out a review of the facilities there.

But in response to the petition organised by resident Scott Manclark, the council has revealed it is working on plans to reopen the pavilion and upgrade it.

The petition submitted to the council stated: “Local people, especially parents, lack any real social hubs within Northdown Park where their children can play safely whilst they meet and chat with each other.

“A cafe at the Northdown Park play area would in my opinion help reduce anti-social behaviour and be a valuable community meeting space where parents could keep an eye on their children playing.

“We want TDC to facilitate allowing a private operator to fund, open and run a cafe operation, ideally with some covered space.”

The petition suggests the cafe could be a new structure, or be within or adjacent to the nearby TDC-owned pavilion.

At a meeting of TDC’s full council on Thursday, Mr Manclark was not in attendance, but councillors spoke on the proposal.

“Northdown Park is a really important green open space in the ward,” said the area’s representative Cllr Barry Manners (Con).

“It’s extremely popular - I was there yesterday afternoon and there were probably 30 or 40 people using the play area.

“The general area around there reflects really badly on the district and on the council, there is obviously neglect.

“We do have problems with anti-social behaviour and with the graffiti and the neglect that’s so obvious it doesn’t send a great message.

“This will incorporate refurbished changing rooms and toilets, as well as an outlet for light bites and refreshments...”

“All eyes will be on the council to make sure they do deliver on this and get the pavilion and the surrounding area up to an acceptable standard.”

Fellow Conservative Cllr George Kup also backed it, saying a makeover for the park would be “fantastic for the local community.”

Cabinet member Cllr Steve Albon said: “We do need to ensure in the current circumstances that this country finds itself in with the cost-of-living crisis that our parks and open spaces are good enough for our residents to use on a daily basis.

“Certainly for me I will do all that I can to ensure that our parks and open spaces are what our residents want.”

In the council’s response to the petition, the authority details that they are already working on reopening the pavilion.

“This will incorporate refurbished changing rooms and toilets, as well as an outlet for light bites and refreshments,” an officer wrote to Mr Manclark.

“There will also be seating under a sheltered area to encourage a more social atmosphere.

“If this is well received, there may be potential to explore the idea of a full-scale cafe in the future.”