A dangerous park pavilion which has become a magnet for vandals is set to be demolished.

The pavilion in Birchington Recreation Park will be pulled down by Thanet District Council (TDC) this week ahead of discussions about whether a replacement will be built.

It is a regular target for vandalism with yobs attempting to gain access by removing bricks which has now put the building at risk of falling down.

The derelict building has been closed for several years.

It is located in the corner of the park which is being sold off by TDC to Birchington Parish Council.

The parish council is due to take over ownership and is set to consult villagers about the long-term future for the park.

In a statement, a spokesman from TDC said: "In spite of our efforts to secure the building, it is subject to constant vandalism and attempts to gain access. Bricks have been removed from load bearing walls which means that the building is now hazardous to trespassers.

"In the interests of public safety, the Pavilion is planned to be demolished with enabling work starting today. This decision has been taken following a recent site inspection where the property was deemed to be a dangerous structure.

"The decision to remove the dangerous structure has been made in consultation with Birchington Parish Council who remain fully supportive of the action being taken.

"Once transfer has been made to Birchington Parish Council, they will engage with the community over longer term facilities at the site."

Neville Hudson, chairman of Birchington Parish Council, says the council is looking at forming a sports association using the recreation ground as its home for various clubs in the village.

He said: "It's no longer fit for purpose. We're very pleased that TDC has taken the initiative to take it down.

"The state of the building is beyond economic repair.

"The long term future is that the parish will take it as a community asset. This has been a long process taking four years.

"I hope and anticipate that we will form a sports association. The important thing is that the ground will return to its proper use and will have football and cricket teams and other using it."

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