Offenders have been on the receiving end of vandalism as part of a community payback scheme.

They have been giving Oare Gunpowder Works a facelift prior to an inspection by judges due to decide if it should keep its Green Flag status.

The team cleared streams of logs thrown in by vandals along with rubbish including tyres.

Sheila Smith, countryside officer for Swale Borough Council, said: “Vandals have thrown wood into the streams. This blocked water courses, was detrimental to wildlife and made the place look a mess.

“The offenders have also cleared away tyres and other rubbish such as tins and bottles – basic work, but work that is essential to keep the site clean and that would have cost us a lot of money to pay a contractor to do.”

Alan Marolia, the council’s contracts officer responsible for grounds maintenance across the borough, said offenders on the payback scheme had done £50,000 worth of work during the past year.

Sarah Adelsberg, Kent Probation’s area manager responsible for community payback, said: “This work is an example of how offenders are benefiting local communities by paying back for their crimes in this way.”

The Green Flag award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.