Construction of a £150,000 train-themed play area labelled “the most stupid idea ever” is on the verge of completion.

Work on the much-anticipated town centre play park in Ashford has been taking place in recent weeks after the project was delayed.

Construction on the Ashford Borough Council-led (ABC) site was initially expected to be complete by the end of November, but delays in the manufacturing of the equipment halted the scheme.

However, new images show the majority of the train now in place in its spot next to the raised planter area outside B&M and Starbucks in the high street, with work getting underway on February 28.

Multiple contractors can be seen putting the finishing touches to the colourful structure.

Yet residents have blasted the scheme as a waste of money and fear it is only a matter of time before it is vandalised.

Hollie Sharland told the Kentish Express’ Facebook page: “What a joke. I can think of a million things money could be better spent [on].

“Plus the town is dead who's going to be up there to use it?!”

Meanwhile, Jess Wright labelled the project as “the most stupid idea I've ever seen”.

The development is part of ABC’s so-called “town centre reset”, which examines ways to increase visitors' time in the area, and is funded by the government-backed UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developer contributions from Ashford Designer Outlet and The Range.

Images of the play park show how children will be able to climb on a vibrantly coloured engine, carriages and a platform built around the existing trees.

The area has been designed to reflect Ashford’s heritage, incorporating elements related to its railway manufacturing history.

The £150,000 will cover the equipment build cost, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Last month ABC launched a competition to name the park, asking local primary school pupils to put forward their creative suggestions.

The winning idea came from Wittersham resident Quinn, aged six, with the area set to be called SuperSonic Ashford Express.

It is hoped the park will be a boost for the town following the recent announcement the nearby Park Mall shopping centre is to be demolished early next year.

Traders have been given until the end of August to leave the centre, which is due to be flattened alongside the neighbouring Edinburgh Road multi-storey car park.

ABC bosses say they will set up an “interim surface-level car park while exploring ideas for what the area could be transformed to in the future”.