A children’s play area has again been trashed by vandals, turning the grass into a muddy bog.

Four youths on quad bikes were spotted racing around the Princes Avenue open space in Walderslade during half-term.

They then circled the railings of the playground repeatedly, destroying the grass around it. Local councillors fear the damage will not be able to be repaired until the spring.

It is not the first time the area, which is at the junction with Walderslade Road, has been targeted by vandals. In 2014, the play equipment was set alight.

Cllr David Brake (Con), ward councillor for Walderslade, said: “The fact that mindless individuals are wreaking havoc and causing damage has been reported to the police.

“We understand from reports received that four quad bike riders are involved and have been seen riding dangerously, racing around the play area designed for young children.

“Sadly, we will have to wait until the spring before anything can be done to repair the damage.”

Cllr Brake said that a recreation area nearby in Lordswood Lane had also been targeted over half-term.

He said: “We are on the case. We have got the police involved and been in touch with the
council’s Greenspaces team to see if we can get gating at both places to stop quad bike
riders getting in.

“It is very sad that we have to take these measures, but they are using it like a racing track and ruining it for the many people who use these play areas.”

'We have got the police involved and been in touch with the council’s Greenspaces team to see if we can get gating at both places to stop quad bike riders getting in' - Cllr David Brake

Local resident Henry Mead said it took just a few minutes to turn the grass into a “quagmire”.

He said: “They have driven in a circle around the playground and I fear it will now be a long time before it will have dried sufficiently for children to use it without getting covered in mud.

“I am sure your readers will, like me, wish dreadful retribution but perhaps the moronic idiots are only capable of such mindless vandalism because they have not had benefit of a happy and secure childhood.”

Police were called to the scene and a moped rider was issued with a warning.

A police spokesman said: “A warning was placed against the rider and the vehicle.

“If they are stopped again and found to be using a vehicle illegally they risk prosecution and having the bike seized and destroyed.

“Or, if the bike is used anti-socially again, it can be seized.

“Anti-social riding not only affects residents due to the noise it creates, but it can often be dangerous.”

The ward councillors have now asked Medway Council if measures can be taken to stop off-road vehicles being able to gain access to the green.