Reports of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have cast a shadow over a city housing estate billed as a “thriving new community”.

But many residents say the reality of life on the Royal Parade development in Canterbury is far removed from that reported following a handful of unsavoury incidents.

The estate - built at the site of the former Howe Barracks off Littlebourne Road - hit headlines earlier this year after vandals damaged bollards, lights, trees and swings.

There were even reports of people being seen carrying knives, with some residents saying the trouble had been ongoing for a year-and-a-half.

But KentOnline visited Royal Parade last week, and an entirely different picture was presented by most of the people living there.

“I think it is a very good place for families, especially for small children,” said 32-year-old Peter Ngo, who moved to the estate a year ago.

“Everyone seems friendly, and everything is safe.”

Fellow resident and dad Konrad Ciechanski, 44, added: “Wherever you live you will find vandalism.

“But it is a nice, quiet residential area.

“I would recommend it to people and I have a few friends here, and they are happy living here. I have no complaints.

“We have seen vandalism to the lampposts, but apart from that it is nice and quiet.

“When they open the park and playground, it will be brilliant.”

Noni Odiah, 39, says she moved to the estate because of how calm it is.

But she added: “We have experienced some vandalism, especially with the lights and people kicking doors really hard and pressing the bell and running away, which is just children.

“That was all towards the end of last year, but we haven’t experienced anything this year. “Generally it is a lovely area and I can let my kids play out [by the road], and they have the playgrounds.

“We have been here for several months and I think it is a nice area to bring up children.”

Last month homeowners were told they would have to pick up the bill to replace bollard lights damaged by vandals.

Such a move would have cost each household about £150, with residents venting their frustration and calling for CCTV cameras to be installed.

But the extra charges were dropped by the HML Group - which manages the estate - after housebuilder Taylor Wimpey agreed to stump up the cash for the works.

Solar-powered, vandal-proof lights were due to be installed this week.

Resident Jeremy Shand, 67, believes any anti-social behaviour and criminal damage on the estate is down to a “small group who relish in annoying people”.

“Purely and simply, that’s what it is,” he said.

Austine Nwankwo, 53, says he has experienced youngsters banging on his door, but says the estate is much calmer than where his family used to live in London.

“That quietness we are enjoying,” he said. “The only reason we relocated here is because the children went to grammar school.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said he knows of “quite a few incidents” involving people being aggressive or verbally abusive.

But he added: "The families I’ve seen around here are really nice - especially over Christmas and lockdown."

"They always pop their head round and ask how you’re doing.

"But some of the individuals who live here don’t live up to the expectations of what I’d like.”