Families have reportedly stopped using a play park because of a man living in a tent there for the past two years.

Police and the council are considering taking action after reports of the man allegedly being abusive to people in the area, but one woman living nearby says that something should have been done months ago.

She says that families have been scared off from using the park and that despite numerous reports to the authorities, the man remains in the tent near to Wallers Road, Faversham.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “The police have given him another warning, just like they have done for the past two years, but still no action has been taken.

“The tent is right next to people’s properties.

“We have been fighting with the police and Swale Borough Council to get him removed but nothing has been done. They say there is nothing they can do but it has gone beyond a joke now and we don’t know what else to do.

“My mum has asked him nicely this morning to move it as he is literally at our fence but he replied by sticking his middle finger up.

“I think that it is absolutely disgusting that he has been allowed to live there for this long and the council and police have turned a blind eye.

“Another elderly lady on an adjoining road will no longer go in her garden as she is intimidated by him.

“No kids play there anymore. More people need to know about this happening so we can get him removed.”

The man was approached for a comment and declined, but did tell the Faversham News that he wishes to be there “permanently”.

Police spokesman Andy Saunders said: “Police were called at 9.30am on August 29 to concerns around a man believed to be sleeping in a tent on land close to Wallers Road, Faversham.

“It was reported that the man was using abusive language.

Police officers who already patrol the area will be visiting the man to warn him about his behaviour and consider any offences.

“With regards to the tent being on public land, this matter will be dealt with by the landowner, the borough council.

“This is the standard procedure in terms of any eviction process.”

Swale Borough Council spokesman Sara Toal said: “We have received reports of a person living in a tent in Lionfield play park in Ospringe and are considering a prosecution for a breach of a community protection notice.”