A spate of fires and vandalism has left a community “deeply concerned” after significant damage was caused to a village green and skate park.

Aylesham Parish Council says it is working closely with police and the fire service after yobs targeted the sites over the past week.

At the weekend, fire crews were called to the skate park - which sits beside Aylesham train station - twice in two days after blazes broke out.

On Saturday night (October 11), a fire was started on the field outside the park, before another was reported the following evening when a bin inside the skate park caught alight.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one fire engine attended each call-out, with crews using fire buckets to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported.

In the days that followed, the area was found strewn with litter, smashed glass and a fly-tipped bicycle.

The parcel locker outside the train station was also damaged.

Just three days later, on Wednesday afternoon (October 15), an off-road vehicle tore across the grass in Market Square, in the centre of the village, leaving deep tyre ruts and churned-up turf.

The parish council says CCTV and witness accounts have been passed to Kent Police and that those responsible are being urged to come forward to pay for repairs.

Cllr Charles Woodgate (Con) told KentOnline: “I want to reassure the local people of Aylesham that everything is in hand and we’re doing all we can to ensure their safety.

“Aylesham is an extremely safe and very close community.”

The skate park, completed in 2018 at a cost of more than £140,000, was partly funded by the council, which fears further damage could render the site unusable.

“Should the equipment sustain further fire damage, it could be lost permanently, as the cost of replacement would be beyond the council’s means,” a statement said.

Contractors have now been called in to make the area safe, with the council warning the repairs will come at an additional cost to taxpayers.

Members are urging parents to speak with young people about respecting community apparatus.

“The stake park and its facilities exist for the enjoyment of everyone in Aylesham, and it’s essential they’re treated with care so they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come,” the council added.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage of any incident is asked to contact Aylesham Parish Council on 07830 353872 or via contact@ayleshamparishcouncil.gov.uk.