A man has appeared in court accused of dealing drugs at a children’s play park in Chatham.

As exclusively revealed in KentOnline's sister paper the Medway Messenger on Friday, October 16, parents and councillors spoke out about the anti-social problems at Rosebery Road Recreation Ground.

They were calling on police to step up patrols in the area after a spate of vandalism and drug dealing at the park in September.

Daniel Edwards, 21, of Dock Road, Chatham, has been charged with several offences including; possession of a Class B drug, possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing heroin a drug with intent to supply, as well as handling stolen goods.

He has already appeared before magistrates in Medway and has been remanded in custody.

Rochester South and Horsted Councillor Rupert Turpin said he also believed police had chased two men into an alleyway on September 15, and allegedly found them in possession of powder.

However, police say only one Edwards has been charged in connection with alleged drug dealing at the site.

People are being asked to report incidents to the 101 police telephone number and if a crime is in progress, residents should dial 999.

Cll Turpin added “It’s always a source of frustration that you see people dealing drugs, but by the time you ring up the response isn’t quick enough.”

“The drug dealers know that. They do quick deals and disperse.”

Mum of five Rachel Elphick, 38, also spoke out as she takes her two youngest, two-year-old Harrison, and Ellie, three, to the park twice a week.

She said: “Everyone is worried about it and doesn’t like the fact it’s going on. It’s disgusting really when there’s two or three-year-olds playing there.

“I haven’t seen or heard any drug dealing. We just go there during the day, but we are aware of the vandalism. The bench and the trampoline were burnt down. There’s always fag butts and beer bottles. It’s a bit grotty.

“But it’s so close to us it’s nice to have somewhere to take the kids. It’s a shame it’s being a little bit ruined.”

Cllr Turpin said workmen had also reported being offered drugs by random strangers while they were working.

The park has previously been subject to repeat vandalism attacks – and was most recently targeted in July this year when yobs set fire to a bench.

This week, Inspector Ian Dyball, of the Medway community safety unit, said: “Drugs have a detrimental effect on not only those who use them, but the wider community.

“Whilst I would like to reassure residents that Medway is a safe place to live, there are a minority of people who think they are above the law and deal illegal drugs.

“We will continue to target these people and share information about drugs use with the local council, which is responsible for clearing up paraphernalia from the streets, and work closely with partner organisations.

“On September 15 officers were patrolling the area of Pattens Lane when they saw two men acting suspiciously.

“One of the men was subsequently arrested and charged with drugs offences.

“We will continue to act on information about criminal activity and build intelligence. If you have information relating to drugs, please call 101.

“If a crime is taking place or a suspect is nearby, please call police on 999.”

Edwards’ case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with and he is next due to appear there on December 23.