one of the town’s parks is under threat of closure because of anti-social behaviour.

Dartford Council is proposing closing Mayfair Road playground and improving the playing field in nearby Savoy Road, off Willow Walk, instead.

The future of Dartford’s parks is open to public debate and residents are being asked how they would like to see £1m earmarked to rejuvenate the borough’s parks spent over the next three years.

But the Liberal Democrats have already slammed the possibility the play area in Mayfair Road could be closed.

Parish councillor Andrew Reeves said: “This area has many families and there is not enough for children to do now, so to close a playground in this community is unacceptable.” But Labour councillor Trevor Rogers says only one park is necessary in the area and the site in Savoy Park is more likely to be an improvement to the “run down” facility in Mayfair Road.

Even so, he has received concerns from residents in Savoy Road about the prospect of having a park alongside their homes.

He is concerned too about protecting the park from vandals.

Mayfair Road has dilapidated playing facilities, including a roundabout, swings and a slide while the playing field in Savoy Road is much larger.

A council spokesman said: “The site is not ideal for use as a playground as it is hemmed in by houses and has limited access.

“Due to its size, it cannot be developed as a playground as the council would like.” Councillor Geoff Prout said: “The major concern with Mayfair Road is it is surrounded by houses which has led to anti-social behaviour, leading to complaints from residents.” Public consultations are continuing for the next few weeks and no final decision on Mayfair Road playground — or any of the other parks — will be made until they are completed.

The next opportunity for residents to comment on how they would like Dartford’s parks improved will be held at Holy Trinity School Hall, Chatsworth Road, on June 25 from 3pm to 7pm.