Thousands of pounds is being spent to protect a field following a spate of anti-social behaviour.

Over the last 18 months, St Martin’s Field, in New Romney, which is popular with dog walkers and families, has suffered damaged after several unlawful encampment set up on it.

Cars have also been driven over the grass late at night, leaving damage to the turf, while others have used it as a car park.

Repairs have also been made to a Millennium sun dial in the middle of the field after it was vandalised.

Fly-tipped waste has also been left on the green.

Now, New Romney Town Council has approved plans to instal bollards around the field, in Fairfax Road, in order to prevent unauthorised vehicular access.

The project will cost the authority £30,000.

Cllr Paul Thomas, also Mayor of New Romney, said a lot of people use the field for recreational use, and the bollards will help keep them safe from people driving over it, as well as protecting the land itself.

He also said he respected the traveller community's way of life and hoped more suitable sites could be found in the district.

Cllr Thomas said: "I am really pleased that the council has agreed to the proposal to protect St Martins Field from unlawful encampments and anti-social behaviour.

"The scheme will provide protection of the area but still allow lawful access for authorised users.

"I am also pleased that we were able to place the contract for the manufacture and installation of the bollards with a local company, keeping the money on the Marsh.

"Looking to the future, I feel that it is important to continue to work with the Traveller community to provide suitable sites in the district, to ensure we can meet their diverse needs."

The bollards will be black and gold in colour, in line with the town's colours, and a number of them will be adapted to provide vehicle access, when required.

They will be installed by Weweld Services Ltd, based in Old Romney, in the New Year.

The decision to instal them was made at last month's full council meeting.

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