Parents of triplets who struggle to get their three-seater pushchairs through anti-motorbike barriers have called for their removal.

Natalie Jackson from Emerald Crescent, Sittingbourne, has had to downsize her buggy and carry one of her children in a sling during the school run.

But she still has to tilt her smaller buggy onto two wheels to try and get it through the gates at the underpass beneath the train tracks by Aspire School.

The 29-year-old mum-of-four said: "Due to the barriers I cannot use my triple buggy to get to Grove Park Primary, where my four-year-old Finley attends.

"I live on the Sonora Fields estate and the only suitable walking route available is between Archers park and the Grove Park estate.

"The anti-motorbike barriers are just by the underpass along the path. I get why they are there but it is such a struggle for mum's with push chairs."

Natalie, who has five-month-old triplets, Albert, Arthur and Alice, has had to buy new buggies to try and make her morning commute a bit easier.

She said: "We have had to purchase a small double and I have to wear the third triplet in a sling to get my son to school.

"This is working for now as the babies are almost six months but I worry about how I am meant to continue this as they get bigger and heavier."

Natalie has a friend in the area who also has triplets and is facing the same issues.

Rebecca Furze, 34, also from Archers Park, said: "My five-year-old, Dylan, goes to school in Bobbing, so although the barriers don't affect our school route it does stop me getting into town.

"It means I can't take my 18-month-old triplets to pre-school if I want to walk there, which means having to get them in and out of the car twice which is a lot in itself.

"It just blocks our access to that side of town. There is another way we can go but when you're pushing three babies in a buggy, and for those trying to access Grove Park School, it is just really inconvenient.

"I know a few parents of twins and parents that have got babies close in age with double buggies that can't access the other side of the barriers.

"The barriers are meant to stop motorbikes, but in the six years that I've lived in this area, the motorbikes still go up and down that pathway, regardless of the fact that the barriers are there to stop them."

Natalie added: "People are having issues with double buggys so we have no chance with our triple push chairs.

Rebecca Furze speaking about the buggy trouble she has with anti-bike barriers

"I've tried to contact KCC but have heard nothing back and my friend, who also has triplets, also complained but all she was told was that nothing could be done.

"We want these barriers removed. There is nothing else I can see that will solve this problem.

"The anti-motorbike gates need to go because otherwise I am going to have this issue until the three of my babies are out of push chairs."

Cllr James Hunt (Con) for The Meads is aware of the issues faced by parents in the area.

He said: "I am aware of the concerns and do understand the frustration that some people have not being able to pass the barrier.

"The barrier in place now was installed back in 2018 after residents raised concerns with motorbikes using the footpath as a shortcut, which posed a serious danger to pedestrians.

"The route is well used by school children so it is imperative that the footpath is safe to use.

"When installed I did raise concerns that people with double buggies and those with wheelchairs or mobility scooters may have problems but it was considered the safety of users was a higher priority.

"There was the possibility that a K frame barrier could be installed as this would give better access for pedestrians that need more room to get through, but would also stop the motorbikes.

"It is important that some form of barrier is in place so the nuisance motorcycles don't return, but KCC did tell me at the time of installation that they would look at redesigning the layout, and hopefully this is something they will now consider."

KCC said the barriers were originally installed following requests from residents in the area.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers received multiple requests from the local community to look at installing these restrictions in 2018 to prevent motorbikes using the route.

“We carefully consider the needs of all users and try to find the right balance to get the best solution for the majority of residents.

"The restrictor is designed to allow mobility scooters, single buggies and tandem prams as well as bicycles with narrow handlebars.

“They were also installed wider than the recommended measurement, allowing extra room for people to get through.

“While there have been no reported motorbike incidents here since the restrictors were installed, we will review the installation of the barriers at this location.”

Natalie and Rebecca's complaints come as a mobility scooter rider in Ashford faced similar problems when visiting Asda.

The barriers had stopped Jenny Kellam, 59, and those with double pushchairs, large bikes and mobility scooters getting to the store.