A former Dover resident has created plans for a community garden to replace the vandalised tram shelter in Folkestone Road.

Robert Mouland wants to protect the historic tram shelter from further vandalism by having it moved to Dover Transport Museum where it can be preserved.

He said instead of leaving the road with an empty space he would like to see a Victorian pillar box put there with a community garden around it dedicated to the Queen’s 90th birthday.

He said: “To those people opposing it, I say this, they are helping the wrong doers of the shelter to finish it off.

“We should take it to the transport museum who will preserve it, keep it and retain it in Dover for the benefit of all.

“Some time or another it’s going to be severely vandalised, maybe beyond repair.

“I believe, by removing it and putting something completely different in its place, especially with the Queen’s 90th birthday coming up, this may be the answer.”

He is supported by Cllr Graham Wanstall who is also campaigning to move the shelter.

The Mercury previously reported that district and town councillor Peter Wallace and many other residents said this would be giving in to vandals.

Cllr Wallace proposed CCTV cameras could be placed there to catch the culprits.

Mr Mouland, 66, a former Folkestone Road resident who now lives in Folkestone, said he was surprised that a district councillor would suggest this at expense to the taxpayer, and felt that CCTV cameras would not work as the vandals could easily conceal their identity.

He claims the community garden would be more uplifting than seeing a vandalised shelter.

“It could be beautiful and will save a piece of Dover’s heritage.” He said.

He has donated £100 to the shelter in the hope it will be moved, however, Dover District Council previously told the Mercury that there were no current plans to move the shelter.