Vandals ruined a town’s historic and iconic waterfall just days after it started flowing again following a lengthy and costly restoration.

The picturesque feature in Ramsgate’s Madeira Walk was filled with white foam caused by washing-up liquid, sparking dismay and condemnation among residents.

Opened in 1890, the waterfall has had a chequered history of failures and vandalism over the decades.

Now running again for the first time in three years, washing-up type liquid was emptied into the pond water, causing it to foam up on Sunday.

Thanet District Council (TDC) says the waterfall had only been turned on briefly for testing when it was attacked on May 16.

“Sadly, it has already been subjected to anti-social behaviour with washing-up detergent added to the ponds,” said a spokesman.

”The waters have now been cleaned up and the foam has dispersed.

“A plant and fish-friendly anti-foaming solution will be added to the water, to ensure that any further attempts to create foam in the waterfall will be unsuccessful.”

The vandalism is a bitter disappointment to council bosses, with Cllr Steve Albon, TDC cabinet member for cleansing and coastal services, urging vandals to leave it alone and let residents enjoy the feature.

He is delighted that such an “iconic part of Ramsgate” has been restored to its former glory.

“I guess it [the vandalism] is a sign of the times but it causes a lot of problems and potentially harms rare species which live in the water,” he said.

And writing on social media after pictures were posted of the scene, Sonia Jones blamed “some selfish disgusting t*** who needs to grow up”, adding: “Didn’t take them long to ruin it. What a shame.”

Jane Cotton added: “I only said last night that it was a matter of time. Just knew it would happen. So sad.”

The waterfall had been out of action since 2022 after being shut down as the two large ponds had developed leaks and were losing water.

TDC started to restore the site in March, beginning with draining the ponds to identify leaks.

Due to the waterfall’s rare Pulhamite structure, specialist landscape contractors with experience in maintaining historic landscapes were appointed.

Together with horticultural experts, they cut back the plants surrounding the ponds and removed invasive species.

A team of ecologists also surveyed the site for rare or protected wildlife, including bats, reptiles and amphibians.

The second phase involved completing repairs so the ponds could hold water once again.

The pumps and control system that power the waterfall were then overhauled and feature lighting was installed.

The Madeira Walk Waterfall is constructed from Pulhamite, a man-made material popular in the 19th century and the site is now Grade II-listed.

In 2021, the Heritage Action Zone partnership repaired sections of the Pulhamite at Albion Gardens and Madeira Walk, with a grant from Historic England’s Emergency Repair fund.