A play area popular with children and families has turned into a hotbed for drugs and sex, according to residents.

Parents report seeing needle use, drinking, and even people having sex, all in broad daylight, at Rosherville Park, near St Mark’s Avenue in Northfleet.

Like many other parents Olga Varamkova, 34, walks her son Ali, five, home from St Botolph’s Primary School through the park where they regularly see a group of men and women, believed to be in their 30s, engaging in offensive behaviour.

Despite numerous complaints to Gravesham council and the police, the activities have continued since October last year, according to Mrs Varamkova.

She said: “I see people drinking when children are playing there.

“About two or three weeks ago I saw people making love in the grass a couple of metres from the play area. I had to shield my son’s eyes and find another way home.

“All the people here are sick of it. There are many kids who play around here. We need to take control.”

Mrs Varamkova said the “sordid acts” had led to discarded bottles and other litter. “Even my son said to me ‘Look at this mess mum, how disgusting it is,’” she said.

Cllr Peter Rayner (Lab), who represents Northfleet North, said: “We are investigating anti-social behaviour. The investigation is spread between us and the police.”

Police said they had not received any reports about acts of a sexual nature in the park and had few calls about the area.

A spokesman said: “Police have received a report which refers to anti-social behaviour at Rosherville Park. This refers to fires, litter and someone sleeping in the park overnight. The local authority is acting in relation to the complaint received.

“The police have will take all calls of anti-social behaviour seriously and urge people to report incidents on 101.”

Gravesham council did not respond before we went to press.

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