Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of one of Kent's most popular activity centres.

Betteshanger Park in Deal announced tonight that it would be temporarily closing until further notice.

The venue had been forced to close early on Saturday owing to stormy weather, but it is not known if tonight's announcement is connected.

In a message on its Facebook page, the park simply said: "Due to unforseen circumstances we regret that the park will be temporarily closed until further notice. We ask for your your patience during this time. Further information will be provided in due course."

The news was greeted with shock by many visitors.

Linda Milton posted: "This is very sad news...... had a great time geocaching on Friday and hope it’s not our last visit."

Katie Woolridge added: This is so sad. My boys have just started to love it here... they both love the playpark and my eldest loves riding his bike there. What a great shame."

Betteshanger is the venue for many outdoor activities including cycling, walking and running. It also has a children's play area.

A number of events are planned for the coming weeks, including Junior Parkrun every Sunday and the Betteshanger Bikers cycle club meetings.

Betteshanger Park is owned by the Hadlow Group, which has announced its intention to dispose of the 422 acre site amid a financial crisis.

But KentOnline reported in August that staff were unaware of any potential purchasers of the former colliery.

Issues with the Hadlow Group first came to light in February when it suspended both its chief executive Paul Hannan and deputy chief executive Mark Lumsdon-Taylor amidst an investigation into its finances.

These financial woes brought a cloud over the £40 million scheme to turn the former coal mine into a sustainable energy park and mining museum.

It meant work was stopped on the first phase of the plans - the £9.5 million museum. Instead the attraction which was scheduled to have opened in March has been left 85% finished.

But the government’s position has been that the Betteshanger site cannot be considered educational provision, and would therefore not be funded to completion.

The site was acquired in 2013 from the Homes and Communities Agency, now Homes England, at a cost of £1 per title for Betteshanger Country Park and Betteshanger Business Park across the road at the former pit head.

At the time of the sale, a covenant was put in place to ensure it remains a country park, it is understood.

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