Campaigners are fighting to restore a beleaguered sports ground plagued by vandalism and asbestos.

In its heyday, Jackey Bakers was a flourishing sports field gifted to the people of Ramsgate by the town’s first female mayor.

But a century on, the fields situated in the heart of Newington have been left to languish, and are now a “huge health and safety risk,” campaigners say.

Calling on Thanet District Council to overhaul the sports grounds, a petition has amassed 680 signatures in about one week.

June Tyrrell, who launched the petition, has condemned those responsible for damaging the grounds, which she says has become “an eyesore”.

“The vandals have got to the astro and destroyed the fencing, graffitied all over the changing rooms and climbed onto the roof and pulled down the brickwork.

“They will break anything they can get their hands on - they’re just destroying it at the moment.”

The 37-year-old said asbestos is exposed in the changing room toilet and showers, adding: “(They) need a working toilet and hot water for the showers so the footballs can have a wash and get changed.

“They will break anything they can get their hands on - they’re just destroying it at the moment.

“This is obviously a big concern for everyone’s welfare - it’s a huge health and safety risk.”

Ms Tyrrell kick-started the petition after joining forces with Christina Collins, who lives nearby and regularly walks her dog on the grounds.

Ms Collins, 67, said: “The grass is overgrown, the bins are full and haven't been emptied - it's just in a sorry state.

“Lots of people use Jackey Bakers.”

“Today there's three or four training sessions going on.

“There’s loads of dog walkers here in the morning, people bring their children to play in the park.

“It’s just a lovely place to be, and we want it to be improved so it’s much better for the community.”

Ms Collins “wants the council to support residents” in their “quest” to get it back up to standard.

The expansive grass and pitches are hired out to local football teams.

But using the area is reported to cost about £400 a week, and players want to know what their money is being spent on.

Gary Jones, who has played there for 17 years, said: “It’s in a disgusting state - it's not good at all.

“It wasn’t good when I first came either, but now there's no lights in there and there’s no running water.

“It’s not fit for purpose at all.”

“Us players come every week and pay to use the pitches - we don’t get paid to play - and the facilities just aren't good enough.”

The 32-year-old wants to see new changing rooms and a 4G pitch installed, after the 3G one they had was “left to rot”.

Jackey Bakers has seven full sized pitches, and caters for football, hockey and cricket.

The petition, which has more than 680 signatures, states: “Over the years, we have seen a decline in the way Jackey Bakers is managed.

To view the petition, click here

“Each week the pitches are in use and funds are accumulating, but where is this money going?

“Some weeks, this amounts to just over £400.

“So let’s all come together and make Jackey Bakers fit for purpose - by the people of Ramsgate, for the people of Ramsgate.”

Labour councillor for the Northwood Ward Will Scobie has been “engaging with the local residents” and is “looking forward” to seeing changes.

The newly elected politician, said: “It’s a bit of a shame - I think there’s been years of under-investment in Jackey Bakers.

“We will be working with the cabinet to get some improvements in the area.

“Clearly there’s some problems - there’s local sports groups working here and there's issues with the grass being level and not being mowed properly.

“The actual facilities here are poor, the changing rooms have no toilets so clearly some changes and investment is needed, and I think it’s been a long time since that’s happened here.”

A Thanet District Council spokesman said: “The council is looking at options to improve the facilities at Jackie Bakers in Ramsgate. This may include working with third party organisations to secure grant funding.

“We are currently reviewing waste facilities across the district, and intend to increase the number of general waste bins at Jackey Bakers soon. Dog waste should be placed in general waste bins.

“Signing a petition is one way for our residents to express their concerns and priorities to their local authority. Our petition scheme has been redesigned to make it easier for people to submit petitions. More information can be found on our website.”