A beautiful garden that survived years of neglect and even the violent hurricane of 1987 is set to weather its greatest storm as Thanet council seeks to sell the land.

Tended to by close-knit neighbours for more than 30 years and registered as an asset of community value (ACV) in 2014 the Vale Square Residents' Association have spent tens of thousands of pounds on maintenance, including railings for the garden which were erected at the behest of the authority.

The square is one of Ramsgate's most sought after locations and residents include Blur guitarist, Graham Coxon.

Furious chairman and trustee of the association, Jocelyn McCarthy says he hopes the council comes to its senses, especially as a memorial created for two former residents is located there.

"We set up the residents' group 32 years ago to preserve the south eastern end of Vale Square and it was in a real state - we were given a licence from Thanet council as long as we maintained the garden," he said.

"We have all written to them, including lawyers who live in this square, but have not received a single response. We have been left high and dry and we are hoping that some where along the line the council will come to its senses and let the land remain in the community."

In 2015 it was agreed in a cabinet meeting to dispose of the land in order to "contribute to capital projects and reduce liabilities through management, repair and maintenance," despite the residents funding everything.

But despite the decision correspondence between the two parties suggested meeting the land would be transferred free of charge to the community. The residents' group even agreed to pay the council's legal fees.

However the chain of communication fell silent and the next correspondence the group received was from TDC head of strategic assets, Edwina Crowley asking for expressions of interests to buy the land.

The group put forward a bid but to their shock and dismay it was rejected due to the group not meeting government criteria - the exact reasons are not known despite Thanet Extra requesting the information.

Th gardens, which include a 150-year-old walnut tree, is the beating heart of the square. "It is extremely important to us, all the general public come down, we have teddy bears picnics, birthdays, Christmas celebrations and people getting married," explained Mr McCarthy.

"At our summer party last Saturday we had 90 people arrive - the square is used a lot.

"Somebody can now buy it on the open market and whilst they cannot build on it, there could be a chance the garden will be land banked until planning law changes or an investor could buy a property on the square."

A spokesperson for Thanet council says the authority is following policy. They said: "We understand this creates uncertainty for the licensee, Vale Square Residents’ Association but we have an obligation to follow our transparent policy and processes for disposals. This includes now putting the sale of the square in to a market where all residents, including those who are not necessarily members of the association, have the opportunity to bid for the site.

"The license between the council and Vale Square Residents Association is not being terminated and the auction reserve price is a nominal sum, reflecting any restrictions that are registered with the land."

A petition has been launched to save the garden which you can sign online.