The toilets at a new pirate-themed play park have been closed for improvement works to make them “easier to keep clean”.

The restroom facilities at Buccaneer Bay in Central Park, Dartford, are shut until next Thursday (March 28).

The current toilets are to be replaced with facilities with stronger fittings which are easier to clean.

A spokesman for Dartford council said: “The toilets by Buccaneer Bay in Central Park are being replaced with more robust fittings, which will also be easier to clean.

“We hope that local residents will be pleased with the improvements, and will treat the new facilities as they would their toilets at home.”

The new pirate-themed park has proved hugely popular since opening and celebrates its first birthday this month.

However, the £1.2m attraction was previously forced to shut temporarily just four months after opening following complaints about maintenance problems.

It was revealed the park was set to get dedicated wardens after parents complained because of the safety risk caused by a build-up of algae, as well as suffering from vandalism.

Speaking at the time, Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said: “Since Buccaneer Bay opened it's understandably been incredibly busy, which is a great testament to its design and popularity with children, but does mean we want to look at some issues related to Central Park.

“As a result, we're recruiting dedicated wardens to the park who will supplement the existing touring inspections and we've also started working work on a redesign of the toilets.”

The council says it is constantly looking at ways to improve the park and closed it again for five days in January this year.

On that occasion to allow for the installation of a fully accessible swing and other equipment to improve the facilities for visitors with particular play needs.