Motorhomes and campervans will no longer be able to park on part of a Sheppey beach.

Swale council will install a 2.2-metre-high barrier at the bottom of the ramp leading to the Shingle Bank beach near The Leas in Minster.

The equipment means the vehicles will no longer be able to stay there if they are above the height limit, once installed.

A spokesman for the authority said it would free up space for smaller vehicles to park.

They added: "The shingle bank provides access for those visiting the beach but has been misused over a number of years by people in campervans and motorhomes."

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Tim Valentine (Green), said: "We are installing the new height restriction barrier on the Shingle Bank to ensure there is room for visitors of the beach to park safely.

"Those driving campervans and motorhomes have previously misused the car park to stay for extended lengths of time instead of using the nearby holiday parks.

"We will also be installing two additional barriers on the entrances to the grassed areas opposite the Shingle Bank."

"This makes it harder for visitors and residents to park safely when visiting the beach, especially during the busier, warmer months.

"In addition to the height restriction barrier at the bottom of the Shingle Bank, we will also be installing two additional barriers on the entrances to the grassed areas opposite the Shingle Bank to control access and to prevent campervans and motorhomes from accessing these areas."

Cllr Valentine added the council was proud of the Island's beaches and wants everyone to be able to enjoy them following lockdown.

But not everyone is happy with the move.

Mark Svensson of Bramston Road, Minster, said: "It's just something else, another amenity, the public are losing on Sheppey.

"To all of a sudden say they've been abusing it is an absolute lie."

Mr Svensson, who is disabled and uses his van to visit the beach, added: "I have a van, I don't stay there but I go up there some days, put a chair out and speak to people I know up there.

"I'd just ask what all this is going to achieve. It stops people, including boat users and those with larger vehicles from using it."

A spokesman confirmed the production of the barriers has been delayed by the coronavirus outbreak but she hoped they would be in place in time for summer.

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