A historic city centre park has become notorious for violent crime, but people who live there say they would never dream of moving.

With Dane John Gardens in Canterbury showing clear signs of neglect and vandalism - and an alleged murder last week happening just around the corner - it is no surprise some approach the green space with caution.

But a local group is determined to change that perception and “regain the trust of the city’s residents and visitors”.

“Dane John has reputational damage and we need to change this,” said Friends of Dane John’s chair, Amanda Browne.

“Our little-known group of volunteers have been quietly working away for the last three years to help improve the gardens.

“Council initiatives such as a new children’s play area, new gates with night-time shutting, more lighting and CCTV cameras will make the gardens a safer place for our city."

The gardens once held a Green Flag Award - but in recent times have been blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour.

In a “senseless act of violence” last November, part of the park's bandstands was smashed to the ground.

And a KentOnline investigation revealed almost 100 crimes were reported in the gardens between 2020 and 2021, including 12 sexual assaults.

Last year, police investigated five sexual offences, three cases of arson and criminal damage and 36 other incidents in the park.

Nevertheless, John Ellaby, who has lived in Dane John Gardens for over five decades, says the park’s bad rap is “vastly exaggerated”.

“I’ve lived here for 54 years and never thought of living anywhere else,” said the retired educator.

“I think the reputation it has for crime is vastly exaggerated. There may be misbehaviour from time as there is in any city.

“But I can honestly say at no point in the entire period that I’ve been here, have I witnessed anything that would be regarded as anti-social or dangerous.”

In an effort to curb the bad behaviour in the area, the Canterbury City Council last month recommended new measures that would see the main gates of the park locked on weekend nights.

But Mr Ellaby says the policy does not go far enough.

“Them closing the gates at night is a good thing, it’s only at the weekends now, but I think it should be every night of the week.

“Westgate gardens are closed at night and this place should be too.

“And I would definitely like to see more policemen here, especially at night.”

The park has several assets worth protecting - a 19th century pillar, South Africa War Memorial statue, flower beds, not to mention dozens of residential properties.

But the thing that makes Dane John Gardens so special for resident Lesley Thomas is the sense of community.

She said: “The people who live here are the kind who really appreciate the park and care about it

“There’s a huge sense of community among the people who live here.

“We all know all each other and we all contribute to make it better, physically and financially.

“The council are trying the best to maintain it with the budget they have, but I don’t think they realise how much this park is valued."

Speaking to KentOnline last month, a council spokesperson suggested the garden’s popularity made it a challenge to maintain.

“Because of the importance the council places on the Dane John Gardens, it is at the heart of our successful £19.9 million bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

“The park remains one of the city’s most popular open spaces that is enjoyed by thousands of people week in and week out.

“Sometimes it is the victim of its own success because of the wear and tear that brings.”

In 2021, the council revealed plans for a new £110,000 children’s play area to be installed in the park in 2022 and now says the work will get underway this September.

There are also plans to repair the Simmons Monument and the mound it sits atop, after the 19th century pillar was placed on Historic England’s at-risk register of listed landmarks.

The Friends of Dane John are hosting a quiz night on April 21 to raise money for more planting and further improvements at the park.

The event will be held at St Andrews United Reformed Church in Watling Street starting at 7pm.

Reservations can be made by emailing friendsofdjandsmc@outlook.com to book tables of 6-8 people and individual walk-ins are also welcome.