The petition calls on MP Charlie Elphicke and local government to “replace the small park which has been removed without consulting all local residents to make way for homeless flats”.

Millie Cole, 15, of Gloster Ropewalk began the petition and has since attracted more than 100 signatures.

The campaign is supported by parents whose children now have nowhere to play.

It adds: “In the 90s the football pitch was removed to make way for new houses, then the park just off Old Folkestone Road was neglected. Now the only park up Aycliffe has gone, there is nowhere for children to play.”

The park has even sparked debate on its own Facebook page, named ‘Replace Aycliffe park and stop the homeless flats’.

The page has 158 members.

As the Mercury went to press yesterday (Wednesday) it had received 112 signatures.

A meeting will be held next Thursday at the Aycliffe Church Centre, Old Folkestone Road.

Lisa Freeth, of St David’s Avenue, said: “We, the residents, have had enough. We have lost three playgrounds and pitches.

“We are told there is no park as we all can get to Pencester –we can’t! There is nothing on the estate for children to do. The only pitch available is covered in dog mess. It’s uneven and boring.

“We have campaigned long and hard for changes. We tried setting up a youth club but have nowhere to hold it, so that is now no longer viable.

“We are going to fight. We will be at the meeting on April 10 and hopefully a lot of the estate will turn up to be heard.” - Resident, Lisa Freeth

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: “I completely support the petition. It is really important that the residents agree on the placement of a new play area.

“The people of Aycliffe should get a full hearing as soon as possible.”

Town councillor Christopher Precious, of St David’s Avenue, said: “The area will be left open as a play space.”

He dismissed the idea of a play area on the multi-courts at the far end of the estate.

He added: “Residents are very reluctant because it would mean children walking from one end to the other and it is not overlooked by any housing.

“We will be pushing for a playground at Sunny Corner for the young children.”