Vandals have left behind a trail of damage in a popular park - just three months after the site enjoyed a £5m revamp.

Ashford Borough Council says it is hugely disappointed after a toilet was broken and a noticeboard smashed in an upgraded section of the town's Victoria Park.

A new play park opened at the site in the summer, alongside new toilets and a cafe, after the authority secured cash from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

But visitors are now being encouraged to report any anti-social behaviour to police following a number of incidents.

As well as broken equipment in the new toilets, one was left overflowing recently after vegetation was forced down the bowl.

One resident said the damage "is not surprising" as the toilets "are of very low quality and poorly installed".

Another described the vandalism as an "absolute disgrace", saying nothing will change until the yobs are caught.

ABC cabinet member Cllr Kate Walder (Green) says the authority has been left disheartened following the incidents.

"As with any new building, there have been a few issues which are being addressed by our contractors,” she said.

“In the case of the public toilets, there has been a problem with the plumbing which is being rectified.

“Cleaners are also contracted to visit these toilets multiple times per day, every day of the week.

“Unfortunately, with regard to the overflowing toilet, this incident was not helped by an act of vandalism where the affected cubicle’s locked door had been forced open and vegetation was forced into the toilet.

“It is disheartening to see these brand new facilities abused in this way and we would encourage any park visitors who witness vandalism taking place to contact the police.

“If a visitor comes across an issue with the park facilities they should get in touch with us directly via park.keeper@ashford.gov.uk.

“We are very proud of the improvement works that have taken a number of years and a lot of hard work, not just by the council but with involvement from volunteers and the local community.

“We know these improvements have been positively received by visitors so it is a shame that a small minority have caused this damage and impacted the enjoyment of this much-loved park for others.”

In 2019, ABC secured £3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help pay for the scheme, which cost £5.1m.

The extra cash required to complete the project came from contributions from the council, the Friends of Victoria Park and section 106 payments paid for by developers.

Last month, our reporter took a close look at the scheme, which was the first major work carried out in the park in 20 years.

The revamp has proved a hit with many residents, with one reviewer describing the park as a “dream”.