A former Dover resident is campaigning to protect the old tram shelter in Old Folkestone Road from further vandalism.

His intervention comes after the historic shelter has been struck by vandals twice since January. In addition, the structure is often used as a dumping ground for used syringes and condoms.

In the latest attack, the roof glass panels were smashed and the bars and roof were damaged.

Robert Mouland, 66, a former Old Folkestone Road resident who now lives in Folkestone, is campaigning for the shelter to be moved to Dover Transport Museum where it can be preserved as part of a tram exhibition.

He has donated £100 to the cause and said he has the support of Dover Town councillor Graham Wanstall and Martin Leggatt, head of assets and building control at Dover District Council.

Mr Mouland said: “I can’t just leave it in this condition.”

He said the damage caused by the “severe attacks” of the past two months posed a danger to anyone who wanted to use the shelter.

The retired Rotunda Amusement Park manager said: “How could such a beautiful structure be so awfully attacked? It’s a very important landmark. I do not understand.

“The culprit was using a metal instrument, and none of these people opposing it to be moved saw anything or could take any trouble to go and clean up.”

He admitted many residents opposed moving the shelter to the museum, but he said it could not be used for practical purposes as it was not near enough to the bus stop.

Cllr Wanstall claims Dover District Council spends about £1,500 a year on repairing the shelter and that it is vandalised about four times a year.

Mr Mouland said: “That money should be put to better use instead of squandering it on this.”

Cllr Wanstall said there were two proposals: encasing the shelter in a garage-style building for its protection; or moving it to Dover Transport Museum.

He said: “The shelter has been structurally damaged. It could become unsafe or could even fall down in parts. We don’t want that to happen. Everyone wants to save it.”

It would cost £5,000 to refurbish the shelter.

Cllr Wanstall would also like to see it moved to the museum, where it could be lovingly restored and preserved.

He said the horse trough which was originally in Old Folkestone Road could be put back there with a flower display to mark the area’s heritage significance instead, adding that this might deter vandals and those who use the area for dumping syringes and condoms.