Parents have criticized a small playground for children, plagued by rodents, dog waste, and litter, as “the most dismal park in the world.” The Rat-infested West End Quarter play area, constructed by Bellway Homes as part of a nearby housing project, has deteriorated over time. Local families have expressed frustration due to overflowing bins, pests, and limited play equipment, making the park unusable for young kids.
Adam Groombridge, a resident who frequently passes by the area with his daughter, described the condition of the plot as “extremely unpleasant” and refuses to allow his child to play there. Upon noticing the overflowing bin filled with dog waste, he reached out to the park management in an attempt to address the cleanliness issues.
Groombridge highlighted the lack of attractions for children in the fenced-off area adjacent to Folkestone College, noting that it mainly consists of benches, wooden poles, a slide, and a seesaw. Despite being a gathering spot for some, visitors often leave quickly as there is not much to engage with.
Although Bellway Homes built the park, Gateway PLC is responsible for its maintenance. Groombridge expressed dissatisfaction with the slow and inadequate responses from the management company to his complaints, stating that the park has become a habitat for rats. Other residents have also voiced concerns about long-standing issues with overflowing bins and poor maintenance practices.
Residents like Danni Golding and Ruth Deakin have criticized the infrequent bin emptying and lack of upkeep, which they claim have persisted for years. Bellway Homes clarified that they have no involvement in the park’s maintenance since transferring the responsibility to the managing agent after the development was completed.
MirrorOnline has reached out to Gateway PLC for a statement regarding the situation.
