A NEWLY-restored park is under lock and key after residents stepped forward to make it more secure.

People who live near the playground, Albert Road, Wilmington, were appalled Dartford Council could not afford to secure it from being trashed and abused by youngsters.

So they have agreed to lock the council-provided padlock at night, and a council officer opens it and checks the area, every morning.

Pam Nobbs, 60, whose Edwin Road home backs onto the park, is one of the three residents responsible for locking the park.

She says it could not have been done if it were not for the fact News Shopper highlighted the problem.

"We haven't had any problems since," she added. "It's been so lovely and so quiet, it really has."

Ward councillors Derek Hunnisett and Eddy Lampkin mediated between the residents and the council after discovering original plans to lock the park and install a car barrier had been derailed due to lack of funds.

Welcoming the residents' willingness to help out, Cllr Hunnisett said: "People want to help because they see things are happening. Our ethos of community engagement is bringing results."

Dartford Council spent £440,000 to renovate it, and three other play areas, as part of a £1m-package to revamp 10 parks in three years.

But the Albert Road playground, along Willow Park, in Savoy Road, the play areas in Joyce Green Lane and the one in Page Close, Bean, were not made secure as part of the deal, despite security problems during their construction.

A council report discussed at last Thursday's cabinet meeting states there has been vandalism in Willow Park, which appears to have declined, and outlines extra security funding is needed.

A council spokesman says it is vital for residents to play a part in securing the parks. Similar arrangements to that in Albert Road, and in Windemere Close, Dartford, can be arranged by calling the council on 01322 343434.