Building public toilets and a refreshment kiosk on a village recreation ground already blighted by anti-social behaviour could be throwing money down the pan, fear residents.

The idea for the project has come from Sturry Parish Council, which hopes it could encourage more community use of the area in Park View.

But many villagers believe it could be a waste of resources and land a big bill for repairs if vandalised.

A consultation on the proposal was carried out in Sturry, the results of which are expected to be reviewed later this month and a decision made on whether to go ahead.

Parish council chairman Ashley Bubb believes the village has lost some of its community spirit which greater use of the park could help revive.

"Over the last 20 years or so, Sturry has been less of a community and its waned off a bit and we're trying to bring some of that spirit back into the village," he said.

"The idea for a kiosk was thrown out by councillors because when the weather is good something like that might attract more people into the park and get the kids out and parents can sit and have a cup of tea."

Councillors also think it would support the running of events on the green and make life easier for disabled people and parents with small children.

The proposal has been welcomed by some but others fear the new facilities would be vandalised.

Writing on the parish council's Facebook page, Jitendra Upadhyay said the park was already blighted by anti-social behaviour and "a big problem" for those living around it.

"I bet that it will be closed more often than open for repairs because of the mindless vandalism...."

"It is a centre for racism, vandalism, harassment, substance abuse, gangsters and should be shut down," he said.

"This will be an absolute waste of time and money," added Steve Aitken-Mellors.

"If it goes ahead, I would bet that it will be closed more often than open for repairs because of the mindless vandalism that will be caused."

Many agreed with the concerns but Cllr Bubb says all views will be taken into consideration when the council discusses the proposal.

"It's very early days and it is something we would fund ourselves but we will see what the feedback says." he said.