A car park used by parents and residents has been shut because of a rise in vandalism.

The site behind Sheppey Hall in Main Road, Queenborough, will be shut during the day to the public.

It comes after some people living and working nearby noticed broken glass and boarded-up windows.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con) received a number of messages from residents who raised concerns.

He said: “One of the trustees of the trust that leases the hall told me it was closing off the car park because of vandalism.

“He also said they would make the car park available to those training at the ambulance station.

"I did raise the issue of parents using the car park from September, when the school reopens, but he could not give me a positive reply.”

Speaking to KentOnline, Cllr Whiting said the area had been blocked off with 6ft high metal fencing since Sunday, July 23.

He said residents fear the closure will cause roads to become more congested.

The car park and adjoining hall are both operated by The Sheppey Hall Trust, which allows people to hire the building for events.

Over the past year, the building has been renovated and now contains new office spaces in its roof.

It is believed the car park will still be available for those who use the hall, but will be sealed off during the day to the public.

Claire Martin works at Bespoke Affordable Kitchens, which is opposite the car park.

“It depends on if it is the school holidays or not, but I have previously noticed some kids milling about,” she said.

“Sometimes there’s broken glass at the side of the building, and I’ve seen the windows get boarded up before.

“You’ll find vandalism everywhere, not just on Sheppey. It's unfortunate and needs to be tackled at the root.”

She says the closure will have “some degree” of impact on their business.

“We have an entrance where massive lorries come in,” she explained. “I’ve had to place a couple of notices telling people not to park by the gate.

“Around 20 to 30 cars regularly line up along Borough Road for the school run.

‘You’ll find vandalism everywhere, not just on Sheppey.’

“Inconsiderate parking is the bane of our lives – they don’t think about what they are doing.”

Nicola Bidgood-keay uses the car park to drop off her children at Queenborough School and Nursery in Edward Road.

She said: “I just think it's safer than parking on the busy road, as all the ambulance people park along there and double parking to me is unsafe.”

The mum believes vandalism could get worse when schools return in September.

“There will be a bit of congestion along that road which will cause a lot of problems,” she said.

“However, it’s their property. If they wish to close it off I know that I would be more than happy to pay for a yearly permit to park there if they were to go down that route.”

The Island has been plagued with several incidents over the past few months, with a number of “feral kids” being blamed.

Just last week, it was reported how a great-nan was left horrified and saddened after she watched children stone a duck to death.

A cancer patient also missed an important hospital appointment after yobs trashed his car.

The 64-year-old had previously tackled youngsters using catapults to target property and animals.

‘We will not tolerate this kind of anti-social behaviour.’

Peter MacDonald, chairman of The Sheppey Hall Trust, said: “Sadly, we have suffered abuse and vandalism, including the wall and fencing at the entrance. We will not tolerate this kind of anti-social behaviour.

“The trustees agreed to allow the use of allocated parking spaces to NHS ambulance trainees attending courses at the Sheppey Ambulance Station.

“Some members of the public rent their own parking spaces.

“The front wall and fencing will be replaced, the heras fencing is in place on safety grounds.”

He added: “We have had the odd window smashed the wall and fencing at the front was demolished and roof tiles were smashed. This will cost several thousands of pounds to rectify.

“The trust is absolutely responsible for the safety of people using the facilities, including the car park, which is why the parking needs to be regulated.”