Andrea Lenehan - with sons Ryhs, three, and seven-year-old Ethan - had to take down her sun shade because of a "no tent" policy

by Jenni Horn

A mum has branded country park rules ridiculous after she was banned from putting up a children's sun shade.

Andrea Lenehan was ordered to take the shade down on a family visit to Riverside Country Park, in Rainham.

The 36-year-old took her two children, aged three and seven, to the site in Lower Rainham Road, with her friend and her three children, aged seven, four and six months.

Andrea, of Murton Close, Lordswood, took a shade along to protect the baby and a place for the other children to escape the sun.

But within minutes of arriving, a ranger approached the group to tell them to take it down. He told Andrea there was a 'no tent' policy at the park so she was not allowed to use it.

Andrea said: "It was ridiculous. We put it up, out of the way to one side and sat down. It wasn't in anyone's way.

"Then a ranger came over and said we had to take it down as they don't allow tents. This was not a tent, has no ropes and is not enclosed, it's just like an arch."

Andrea Lenehan with sons Ryhs, three, and seven-year-old Ethan at Riverside Country Park, in Rainham

When Andrea objected, she was offered the chance to talk to the manager of the park on the phone.

She said: "He clearly told me I had to take it down. He said if he lets me he has to let everyone and it's policy.

"I asked him where the policy was displayed as I couldn't see it and he couldn't answer me."

Andrea said she would be reluctant to return to the park, and would definitely not go for the whole day again if it was sunny.

She added: "I was trying to be a responsible parent and it gets knocked back in your face. It was blazing hot sunshine.

"The kids had cream on and hats, but you still want some shade for them if you’re going to be there all day.

"I’ve used the shade many times before at other parks and never had an issue. The whole thing just left me frustrated and annoyed."

Robin Cooper, Medway Council’s director of regeneration, community and culture, said: "This day tent was put up in the play area of the park, which we try to discourage, particularly during the summer holidays, as it becomes extremely busy there and we have found other parents and children can sometimes trip up on the supports or guide ropes if these are set up.

"The play area has quite a lot of areas with natural shade, as there are several trees there, which means there are many nice places in the play area where families can pitch up and have a picnic or set up so they can have a fun day out when the sun is shining."