Not enough money is being spent on a "tired" riverside park, say councillors.

Representatives in Gillingham say despite parking charges being introduced at The Strand Leisure Park, many of its facilities have been neglected.

They feel the sports facilities and sea walls at the site off Pier Road – which also hosts an open-air pool – could do with a makeover.

Figures presented to Medway Labour Group show more than £244,000 has been earned since the council began charging people to park at The Strand in 2017.

The councillors argue the revenue needs to be reinvested to keep the site – which celebrated its 125th birthday last year – in good condition.

Cllr Pat Cooper (Lab) said: “The Strand really is looking tired. The five-a-side ball court has been closed for almost a year because it’s unsafe, the picnic benches have been removed because they were falling apart, and the crazy golf course desperately needs an overhaul.

"We will continue to work with The Strand Litter Squad and residents to campaign for much-needed improvements.”

Cllr Adam Price (Lab) said: “The neglect and lack of investment at the Strand by the Conservative-run council is shameful.

"Although we were successful in getting 800 new trees planted and 10 new litter bins installed there last year, it urgently needs more investment.”

Cllr Howard Doe (Con), the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for housing and community services, branded the criticism "preposterous", saying thousands had been spent on new features, improving the pool, and ongoing maintenance.

He said: “Firstly, it’s important to point out that funding accumulated from all council-owned car parks across Medway is fed back into the council system, so we can continue to provide key services and support to those who need it.

"It is incorrect to suggest we are not investing in The Strand as this is an important part of the community and we are doing everything we can to ensure it stays a lovely place for people to visit, especially as we are a child-friendly city."

He said over the last seven years, just under £100,000 had been spent on parkour equipment and the Talking Telescopes project, which was an interactive exhibition allowing visitors to hear stories and memories from the park.

Medway Norse, the council's waste and environment contractor, also gets £33,500 for the park's annual maintenance.

He added: "In 2021, we completed significant repair works at the Strand too.

"We re-laid the resin floor, applied anti-vandal paint, repaired and cleaned rainwater guttering and pipework and completed repairs to collapsed foul water pipework.

"We will be spending £83,000 across 2021/22 to refurbish the pool filter system and install a new auto-dosing system too."