Families on the Bysing Wood estate are living in fear of drug users who congregate in a public space once popular with dog walkers and children.

A worried father has spoken out on behalf of concerned residents in Wildish Road, Faversham.

The section of wooded area, with a public footpath running through it, is now out of bounds for families as it has become notoriously used by junkies.

There are needles, tinfoil, needle packets, empty beer cans and even excrement strewn over the ground, alongside old abandoned mattresses and plastic chairs.

The resident, who did not want to be named, says that people even avoid using a path which runs alongside the woods, which is a direct route to many houses.

He says the problems are only getting worse and people are becoming more and more frightened.

He said: “Me and my family, along with dozens of other families, are now too scared to go out of the house at night as you just don’t know what might happen next.

“This horrible place in the woods where needles, needle packets, foil and bottles used for heroin and crack cocaine are just thrown everywhere.

“This is a place where people used to take their dogs for walks and children used to play – they wouldn’t dare do that now.”

Insp Mark Button, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: “We recognise drug problems can be extremely serious and can have a negative impact on a community, making residents feel intimidated and uncomfortable in their own homes.

“However, I would urge anyone concerned over drugs in their area to report problems or suspicions to us as soon as possible on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency or a crime is in progress.

“The more information and intelligence we receive from residents, the quicker we can build up a clear picture of issues affecting a community and take appropriate action.”

Council spokesman Phil Sutcliffe said: “If anyone finds potentially dangerous items, or indeed any fly-tipping, we strongly encourage them to report it to us via our website or by calling 01795 417850 so we can ensure it is removed safely.

“In this case, we had received reports of waste being dumped further down the road, which we are clearing up. Now we have been alerted to this it will be removed as soon as possible.”