There are plans to install CCTV near a family paddling pool plagued by vandalism.

The popular open-air dipping hotspot, at Beachfields in Sheerness, remains shut today after yobs tore down fencing at around 2.20am on Friday.

It had been expected to reopen on Sunday (August 13), but work has been delayed until at least Wednesday afternoon due to a lack of available contractors.

A spokesman for Swale council said: “We share the frustration that local families feel to see this much-loved attraction pointlessly vandalised.

“We’re working hard to provide facilities for local people and visitors to enjoy, and it’s heartbreaking to see them closed because of the actions of a tiny minority of selfish individuals.

“We’d urge anyone who knows anything about the vandalism to contact the police.”

It is not the first time the pool has been targeted by thugs.

It shut for two days in May after staff discovered it had been filled with glass and paint.

Councillor Angela Harrison (Lab) said the latest act was “disheartening,” but said there were plans in the pipeline to prevent future attacks.

She explained: “We are hopeful CCTV will be put in place later this year to stop things like this happening.

“There will also be more lighting put in place in the Beachfields area.

“Obviously stopping such incidents isn’t easy as you can’t have CCTV everywhere.

“I also don’t know what’s wrong with people who do these sorts of things as it’s very disheartening.

“But we’re going to keep repairing the pool as we have done in the past as it’s such a great hub for families.”

Speaking after the attack, one person commented: “This angers me because there's parents like me whose children enjoy going here and having a lovely time without spending a penny and making memories.

“Now you get low-lives damaging it all the time and it's not fair on the younger generation who want to enjoy themselves.”

Another person added: “What is wrong with people who get enjoyment out of ruining things for others?”

The Island has also experienced a number of other vandalism-related incidents so far this year.

Cancer patient Keith Larking from Minster missed a vital hospital appointment after yobs trashed his car in a suspected revenge attack after he confronted them for using catapults last month.

A duck was also stoned to death in Queenborough at the end of July – just weeks after a factory worker had her car tyres slashed after somebody had deliberately put a screwdriver through them.

Kent Police is urging anyone with information about the damage to the paddling pool to contact 01795 419119, quoting reference 11-0110.