More than £35,000 is needed to install CCTV and repair two parking sites, which has been subject to an ongoing debate.

Funding to resolve issues and "numerous complaints" at Shingle Bank and Shellness Road on Sheppey was unanimously approved on Wednesday (March 26).

On March 5, Swale council’s community and leisure committee voted to support a £15 charge for each vehicle per night at both sites.

They hope the decision will tackle the negative impact of overnight and long-term parking, including litter and anti-social behaviour.

In October, people living nearby told KentOnline that they feared an “encampment” was growing.

Complaints included intimidation, people dumping human sewage into the sea and a lack of spaces for visitors during the day.

Previous measures, such as width restrictions at Shingle Bank and bollards at Shellness, have helped reduce vehicle numbers but problems have persisted.

There is currently a ban on overnight camping but it has not been enforced, leading to caravans staying there for long periods of time.

Vandalism, which included the removal of metal posts reinforcing the width restrictions, has also been a challenge.

The plan to introduce overnight parking charges for all vehicles at both locations was the most supported option among more than 1,200 residents who responded to a public consultation.

However, in September, a petition with 488 signatures was presented to a Sheppey Area Committee asking for it to remain free.

The current proposals looked to obtain £37,400, which would go towards implementing traffic orders and additional enforcement.

This includes spending £5,000 repairing the surface at Shingle Bank, £3,500 worth of new signage at both locations and £3,400 to install a CCTV camera.

The costs are not within the current parking budget but were requested to be funded by the civil enforcement reserve.

Chairman Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab) said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful seaside responsibly, but the persistent long-term and overnight parking issues have made it difficult to access and enjoy our beaches.

“We understand that this has been an ongoing issue for residents and visitors which has led to numerous complaints to the council about anti-social behaviour and litter.

“It is evident, following extensive consultation with the public, that introducing overnight charges is the most practical and supported way forward.”

Vice chairman Cllr Elliott Jayes (Swale Ind) added: “The council has tried several measures to combat the issue of long-term and overnight parking at these two seaside locations, including width restrictions and bollards.

“These measures have not been effective and have just been damaged and vandalised, so we decided to go ahead with our resident’s preferred option, overnight parking charges.

“We appreciate this will cause some disruption to residents, but we will make sure to speak with those affected, and where necessary, offer our support at the appropriate time.”

Cllr Jayes proposed to approve the recommendations at the meeting, with Cllr Gibson seconding it.

The changes to both sites are expected to be completed by summer.