Confusion reigns over the future of a popular play area as a shopping centre gets set to expand.

A parish councillor has teamed up with worried locals, and is calling on Bluewater to save the site’s play park.

Bluewater has submitted an outline application to Dartford council for new retail and catering space over two floors.

The development of the area, next to the West Village, will result in car parking, landscaped and external seating areas and a lake disappearing.

Situated between House of Fraser and John Lewis, the area includes the Bluewater playground.

Bluewater has offered reassurances that it would continue to provide the best facilities, but said it could not guarantee the park in its current set-up would be relocated elsewhere.

Councillor Mandy Garford (Lab), who sits on Stone Parish Council, took action when she discovered the play area might be under threat.

She said: “I understand that the expansion is important and that Bluewater provides jobs and retail opportunities.

“Sadly, the area that is being proposed is where the cenclosed play area with sand pit and picnic seating area is.

“This area is very popular with families who visit regularly.

“There are also a large number of autistic children who have relied on this park area as it is enclosed, has sensory play with the sand, is a quieter area away from the main pathways and has disabled seating.

“It would be an absolute travesty for local people to lose this valuable area.”

Bluewater general manager Robert Goodman said: “Families are very important to Bluewater. We know how crucial it is to ensure families enjoy their time here.

“It is too early to say what will happen to the play area, but we will always ensure we provide the very best facilities and experiences for families.

“The design of any new or enhanced play area would reflect the attributes of the existing one in The Village, from the range of equipment to the secure fencing of the perimeter.”