A playground has been cordoned off over concerns for safety after the cliffs above collapsed.

The children’s play area in the Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone has been shut after yet another landslide in the town.

It will remain closed until a crew from Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) can clear the area and ensure the public’s safety.

Folkestone resident Stephen West says he fears more damage could still happen to the town.

He said: “I’ve been expressing my concerns to the council for months and months.

“I fear that the Zig Zag path could be next. That path is the best accessible route and it’s supported by no more than house bricks and cement, it’s not made to support trees of that weight.

“These trees are evergreen and they’re being blown away in storm after storm. When these trees go they won’t snap, they will fall and take the whole hill with them.”

Parents are also concerned about attending the playground again over safety concerns due to further risks in the area.

This follows the recent activity that has already raised fears Folkestone is “falling apart” following the damage to the town in recent weeks – with two landslides at the weekend adding to previous incidents.

Madeira Walk, along The Leas, was cordoned off last week following fears for public safety over cracks in the pavement leading to the landslide forcing the play area’s closure.

It is not known when it will reopen as the council works to stabilise the footpath.

Cracks in the newly laid tarmac began to appear on the popular coastal path, soon after repairs had taken place.

The area around the Vinery has since been closed off again by FHDC.

In another incident, on Sunday, trees fell down the bank near Sunny Sands, narrowly missing pedestrians.

The dramatic moment was caught on camera and has left residents in the town concerned over why so many landslides are occurring.

The video received a huge reaction after being posted in the Folkestone Residents Group on Facebook, receiving almost 700 likes and more than 200 comments.

Mat Mackenzie believes the recent bout of rain is “causing problems”.

He added: “This area is gault clay on sandstone, and is very unstable. All this rain is really causing problems.”

Ryan Lee McIntyre and Tracey Ralph both posted that “Folkestone is falling apart”.

Jackie Bispham said: “Another one bites the dust. Seriously though, it's very scary, all these landslides.”

Sue Treloar added: “I was looking at that bit yesterday as I walked past it with the dog, it was only a matter of time.”

But the most recent slips last weekend follow damage to the Road of Remembrance, which remains closed following two landslides - one in January and one in February.

Cow Path, close to Madeira Walk, also remains closed following damage to the path last year.

The owner of Folkestone’s Harbour Fish Bar says he will remain open despite tonnes of landslide debris crashing down around him following the second Road of Remembrance slip.

But Murat Karakatal says it is business as usual for him.

“The council stopped by one evening but we haven't heard anything since. No one has told us to close so we will stay open,” he said.

Debris crashed into the building’s rear and smashed an extraction fan.

Mr Karakatal says the only negative effect on his business is the Road of Remembrance – a busy thoroughfare between the town and harbour – being shut.

Trees have since been removed from the road by the council and it is not known when it will reopen.

Walkers along The Leas and the town’s coastal park say they hope Madeira Walk and Cow Path will be reopened soon.

Folkestone resident Mike Sarjeant wants more to be done to stabilise the lower part of the historic promenade.

He said: “I think for safety the closure is fine but how quickly will it be restored?

“I'm not sure if they are maintained, some of the paths aren't great and it should be a bit more robust,” the 61-year-old added.

Lisa Hallett, who has lived in Folkestone for 15 years, said now would be a good time to commit to further maintenance.

She said: “I do walk on my own and I do trip a lot. I find the lower paths are also not as well-lit as the top of The Leas.

“If it was more lit I think people would use it more in the evenings for their dog walks and if they are proactive about getting the work done in a decent timeframe it would be good for everyone.”

Tracy Nichols has been a regular walker since moving to Folkestone nearly 30 years ago and wants everyone to have the chance to enjoy the lower paths.

The 59-year-old said: “We need to protect the Lower Leas. It’s a fabulous tourist attraction and for residents, it’s an exceptional place to go.

“This is our heritage, these are Victorian paths that need to be restored in some way.

“I’ve not long been retired and it’s only recently that I had the opportunity to explore the lower parts. It needs to be there for future generations as it lets you walk back in time.”

A spokesperson for FHDC said: “Work is still taking place to stabilise Madeira Walk – however following a landslip at the site over the weekend, the path will need to be closed for a little longer.

“Once this has been completed and is safe to be used again, we will reopen.

“Also, surveying at the Cow Path is still ongoing so it will take some time before work can take place and is safe to be reopened.”