Vandals have struck at one of the county’s most popular summer attractions, less than two weeks after it celebrated a quarter of a million pound facelift.

The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham is now welcoming families back with its new water features in a beach-themed recreation area with revamped tennis courts.

But yobs have already targeted the riverside leisure venue, ripping out more than a dozen lights installed to enhance the area.

Medway Council is now stepping up its security, maximising the use of its new CCTV system, which operates night and day.

One pensioner and his wife were “disgusted” to see the destruction on their first visit after the £248,283 refurbishment was unveiled.

Sid Anning, 80, from Rochester said: “It’s mindless vandalism. The council has done its best to provide something nice for residents, and this has happened.

“The public are always complaining about the state of The Strand, and to the council’s credit, are doing a nice job of what they are doing down there for the benefit of the public with the new splash pool, tennis courts upgraded, toilets being done and general tidying up.

“But my wife and I strolled around and noticed that many of the new up-lighters that had been installed had been vandalised or stolen by some cretins.”

Mr Anning also complained about the damaged state of some of the park furniture.

Among the improvements is a splash pad designed for children aged between three and 11, replacing the old paddling pool.

Designed by specialist contractor Fountaineers, it includes 30 sensor-activated water jets.

The funding for the project came from section 106 money, which is made up of contributions from housing developers to the local authority.

The complex on the banks of the River Medway has an outdoor pool, six 25m lanes for swimming, a 300m lazy river, a café and play area.

Work to refurbish the four tennis courts at The Strand has also now been completed.

Following an investment by the government and LTA Tennis Foundation, they have undergone a £170,000 rrevamp.

This also includes four tennis courts in Maidstone Road, Chatham.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are aware of damage caused to lighting around the park, which involved lights being removed from their brackets.

“We still have the lights and are currently investigating an alternative way of securing them, while we have also installed brand-new CCTV cameras throughout the park and lido, which are monitored 24/7.

“The damage to benches is historic, but the benches remain in a usable condition. We hope that recent security measures will help prevent further incidents, and thank the vast majority of visitors who continue to use the park respectfully.”

The Strand opened in 1896 and is the only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool in the country.

Last year, it was officially recognised as being “historically significant” after gaining membership to Historic Pools of Britain.

The group honours and promotes the important roles swimming pools have played in their communities and their contribution to British cultural heritage.