Frustrated parents say the ongoing closure of a popular play park is affecting the mental and physical health of children and adults.

The facilities in Hersden, near Canterbury, were shut in September last year so "essential maintenance" could be carried out after issues were uncovered during an inspection.

But five months on, the site near The Avenue still remains off limits.

Among parents keen to see it reopen is primary school teacher Hannah Ham, whose three-year-old daughter used to play in the park every day before it was closed.

“No one seems to know what the issue is,” she said.

“Four or five months ago they said it would take a long time as they need contractors to bid on the work, but why’s it taking this long? I regularly walk past and no one is ever there.”

The 34-year-old lives a two-minute walk from the park, which quickly filled most days after the final bell was rung at the nearby Water Meadow Primary School.

She fears children are missing out on learning essential motor skills picked up while using the play equipment.

“I am a primary teacher so I know the importance of outdoor play, gross motor skills," she said.

"Even things like grip strength for pre-writing skills - all things a park offers for free which you cannot recreate at home.

“I know lots of mums in the village don’t drive, so it’s their only option for the kind of important play that parks offer for children.”

"Why’s it taking this long? I regularly walk past and no one is ever there..."

Another mum, who asked not to be named, says the park is a "safe space" for many children and vulnerable adults.

"It's somewhere they can go and enjoy themselves safely, let off steam and help with their wellbeing," she said.

"I have a little child who loves being in a baby swing. I don’t drive so only have access to Hersden and Westbere Edge. Unfortunately Westbere Edge does not have a baby swing so my son is unable to use any of the equipment there.

"This means that I am having to get buses to travel outside the community.

"Financially this is just not possible for so many, meaning children are not getting outside to play.

"Outdoor play is essential for all our mental and physical health, but the parish council does not seem to want to hear us."

Many residents have offered to help in whatever way they can to get the park reopened, even suggesting the launch of a fundraiser.

The parish council - which says funding isn't an issue - invited residents to attend a working group, which it says was productive.

But it added a specialist firm is needed to replace a large area of matting beneath the multiplay area, and this will be done in the next few weeks.

“The park cannot be opened whilst there remains a risk to the safety of users,” a spokeswoman added.