A shopping trolley has been wedged into brand new play equipment by yobs at a park before it has even opened.

It is thought it was hurled onto the unused climbing frame at Central Park in Park Farm, Ashford by youths who bypassed the security fences.

The play area is currently closed off as it undergoes £400,000 upgrades as part of a council scheme to rejuvenate outdoor areas across the town.

Ward councillor for Park Farm North, Trish Cornish (Ashford Independents), says it is upsetting to see this behaviour before the park has officially opened.

She added: "Everyone should be able to enjoy it. Why would anybody now want to ruin it?

"It's disheartening and it's upsetting to see when we have managed to get the funding and the plans have gone ahead.

"It's dangerous. Nobody should be going in there unless authorised.

"If it has been put there by children who have managed to climb over fences, this is dangerous.

"Anyone aware of people getting under or over the barrier should report it because it is antisocial behaviour."

The upgrades to Central Park include an accessible roundabout, a toddlers' multiplay unit with a slide, and a sensory play area as part of plans to improve access to free health and wellbeing activities.

It comes as part of Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) £1.1m investment under its 'play regeneration programme' which was approved last year.

A spokeswoman from ABC said: "It is disappointing to see a shopping trolley had been placed on the new equipment that has not been used yet.

"Fortunately there was no damage and the onsite crew will be taking the trolley back to its rightful place.

"The play area is still a construction site, so we ask for safety that people do not enter the site as it is a potentially dangerous area.

"Residents can report any issues in our play areas through our 'Report It' option on our website, this allows our team to work to resolve the issue as soon as possible."

The new outdoor gym, which will replace the current infant play area, will have a range of equipment for strength, balance, stability and agility training.

New seating, picnic tables and bins will also be installed to provide communal spaces and access to the park in Bluebell Road will also be improved.

Work is expected to finish this month with an official opening planned for December.