The creation of a new town centre children’s play area has been delayed until next year, despite the area being cordoned off for weeks.

The train-themed playground is set to be built in Ashford High Street, next to the raised planter area outside B&M and CeX.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is investing £150,000 into the eye-catching structure, which was expected to be installed by the end of November.

Fencing was placed around the area earlier that month, but so far little work has taken place.

And now, the authority has revealed delays in the manufacturing of the equipment has halted delivery, with it now set to arrive in spring next year.

A spokesperson for ABC added: “Unfortunately, there has been a delay with the train, and it’s now likely to arrive in the new year (spring time).

“We’ll provide an update in the new year, including more details on our Play Train naming competition for schools.”

The development is part of ABC’s ‘town centre reset’, which examines ways to increase visitors' time in the area.

Images of the train show how children will be able to climb on a makeshift engine and a platform built around the existing trees.

The play area has been designed to reflect Ashford’s heritage, incorporating elements related to its railway history, such as locomotives, carriages, and station platforms.

The project will cost about £150,000, covering manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

It will be funded by the national UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developer contributions from the Designer Outlet and The Range developments.

A new name for the train is still to be decided.

Cllr Heather Hayward, cabinet member for tourism, culture, policy and performance at ABC, added: “At the moment, the new play train engine is without a name, so we will be reaching out to local schools in the new term to seek children’s suggestions for a suitable one.

“Further town centre improvement projects are on track in the background, and we look forward to updating residents on these in due course.”

Previously, residents raised concerns the play park could be “trashed within weeks” while others questioned whether the high street was the best location for it.