A candidate running for election to the district council this year took an unusual step to raise a campaign issue by creating a toy construction area on a derelict seafront eyesore.

The former Pleasurama site in Ramsgate has been abandoned for 15 years - a point now being taken up by independent candidate Gary Perkins.

He dressed as a foreman and directed toy cranes, dump trucks and diggers around a section of the seafront site.

Mr Perkins, who will stand in the Sir Moses Montefiore ward in Ramsgate in May's elections for Thanet District Council, says enough is enough and is calling for action.

In a series of videos posted on Facebook on Sunday, Mr Perkins plays the part dressed in orange high visibility overalls, ear defenders and a silver builders' hat while brandishing a walkie-talkie.

Mr Perkins said: "I know this isn't a typical way to run a campaign or engage the electorate but I really enjoyed meeting lots of people today, talking about Thanet's future and listening to what people expect from their councillors."

Piling work started last year for the Royal Sands project on the seafront to build a 60-bedroom hotel and 107 luxury apartments.

But despite groundwork being laid with dozens of concrete pillars driven into the sands, the site has been neglected and left alone once again.

Emily Peasgood, who lives in Ramsgate and helped Mr Perkins with the videos, says work needs to start urgently.

She said: "The site must be taken back into the local community. It’s a massive waste, and an eyesore."

Planning permission was granted for the site back in 2004 but ownership issues have hampered development ever since.

TDC received £730,000 from developers in 2017 to fund affordable housing provision elsewhere in the district.

A cabinet report in November revealed the money will buy three or four houses for families on the council's housing list.

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