Residents say they are having to cover the cost of £20,000 repair bills at a new housing estate continually blighted by vandalism.

Those living in the Royal Parade complex in Canterbury have seen their annual property management fee increase as a result of damage to bollards, trees and swings.

People on the estate talking about the vandalism

The trouble has been ongoing for the past year-and-a-half, with young vandals targeting the estate during the day and night.

Homeowners say the cost of fixing the broken lights along the development's pathways will cost £20,000, with each house being charged about £150 to help cover the bill.

Frustrated resident Amanda Griffiths said: "Our property management annual fee has gone up quite excessively to cover the costs of fixing the lights and getting new ones.

"It's really frustrating and annoying because you purchase a property in a beautiful area and then this happens around your house.

Neighbour Maria Elena Vonan said: "At the moment, myself and my family are a little bit scared because we don't really know what will be next.

"I think they need to put cameras around - that would be cheaper than having to keep replacing broken lights and trees and all of the damages."

Other residents say they have seen vandals carrying knives and witnessed rocks being thrown at houses and cars passing on Littlebourne Road.

Taylor Wimpey, the firm building the homes at the city development, says it understands the "concerns of local residents regarding vandalism at Royal Parade".

"We will continue to offer our assistance to the management company for development, while they engage with residents and police on the issue," a spokesman said.

Police say they are investigating the spate of crimes across the estate but no arrests have been made.

A spokesman said: "The most recent incident was reported to have taken place in Argyll Avenue at about 12.10am on January 1.

"Officers are in contact with those affected."