An area used for parking in Sheerness has been closed off indefinitely due to drivers taking advantage and causing a safety risk.

Access to the pathway in Beachfields Park was locked last Friday.

The stretch of concrete runs through the park from McDonald’s. Although there are no yellow lines or other restrictions, Swale council’s seafront officer Ian Arnell says use of the space has got too much.

He says It has been an issue for a few years, but it has now got “silly”.

“Ever since Tesco stopped people parking all day we have had a problem every summer,” he said.

“It’s just not designed for parking – it’s a walkthrough and for businesses to use.

“It’s blocking people walking through and when there’s kids around it’s a safety issue.

“They were taking the Mickey.”

The car park at the top of Beach Street will remain open.

Brian Spoor, who runs Brian’s Cookers, which is next to the end of the pathway, is pleased the council is taking action.

He says that when it’s full of cars, his large delivery lorries have difficulty turning in the road.

Now the gate is being locked, Mr Spoor will still have access, as will the council, emergency services and Thomas Holland, who runs the nearby Goat pub and Tantra nightclub.

“People leave their cars there and it looks untidy,” Mr Spoor said.

“I was getting fed up with people abusing the free parking.

“There were cars parked here for weeks on end. Give someone an inch and they will take a yard.

“I would like to thank the council, as they have been very generous giving me a key to access [the area] and I’m over the moon people will be stopped parking there.”