News

VANDALS DESTROY WARDENS' HUT

The wardens’ hut at the Lower Leas Coastal Park has been destroyed in what has been described as a ‘mindless act of vandalism.’

Police are treating the fire that wrecked the council-owned building as arson and are scanning CCTV footage to see if the arsonists can be identified. The fire caused between £22,000 and £25,000 worth of damage.

The hut, located next to the public conveniences, was used as a base by the Coastal Park wardens and as a store. Shepway Council is hoping to rebuild it in time for the forthcoming holiday season when the park and the adventure playground is used by tens of thousands of visitors and residents.

Cllr George Bunting, Cabinet member for the environment, said there had been very few acts of vandalism in the coastal park’s five-year history.

“It is sad that the mindless act of a few can destroy an unblemished record in an area that has given so much pleasure to local people and visitors. This wanton damage achieves absolutely nothing and serves only to divert resources and officer time away from providing similar facilities elsewhere.�