SECURITY is being stepped up at two Kent beauty spots.

Infra-red CCTV cameras are being installed at Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham and Riverside Country Park in Gillingham this month to monitor the security of the parks, as well as checking for intruders and fires in the buildings.

The existing metal gates at the entrance of Capstone park will be replaced with new steel gates, which will also be moved closed to the main entrance to stop intruders.

Steel gates and cameras are also being installed at Riverside Country Park in Rainham to prevent people from forcing their way into the park when it’s closed.

Staff at Medway Council’s operations centre in Strood will monitor the security system and alert the police if they see anything untoward.

Around £64,600 has been spent on the project, which was funded through Members Priorities from the council’s capital programme.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Enforcement, Cllr Rehman Chishti, said: “These security measures will make a huge improvement for the safety of users of the parks. “

Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, added: “We want people to enjoy Medway’s green spaces and parks and this work will ensure they remain pleasant places for everyone.”

The works should be completed by the end of the month.