A parent has raised concerns about the “appalling” state of a park’s outdoor gym.

The father said he was horrified when he took his seven-year-old to Gravesend Promenade in Gravesend this week.

He discovered surfacing around the gym equipment had been ripped up, the treadmill had been destroyed and the basketball pole had no hoop.

The man, who has lived in Gravesend for 12 years, also spotted bushes overhanging pathways, litter in nearby shrubs and a trolley submerged in the lake.

CCTV cameras installed to prevent the area falling into disrepair had signs warning ”CCTV in operation” but there were no cameras on the top of the poles.

“I took him to play but he couldn’t because the ground and equipment was all broken and unsafe,” he said.

And the man, who wished to remain anonymous, is calling on the council to do something about it.

“I don’t know what’s going on in the council building and what they are doing with their money,” he said.

“If it doesn’t improve I will personally collect money to repair it.”

A spokesman for Gravesham council said: “Funding for the refurbishment and renewal of the outdoor gym and play area at the Promenade is included in this year’s capital budget and the work is scheduled to start shortly.

“This is part of an ongoing programme that has seen us invest a substantial amount in the installation or renewal of 17 play areas across the borough in the last 18 months.

“The CCTV camera that covers the area is still in place and fully operational – our operators have viewed the outdoor gym and play area via it this morning.

“The basketball hoop has been removed as a safety measure due to the unstable nature of the surface of the play area around it. This will be addressed as part of the refurbishment works.

“Our park rangers visit the Promenade regularly and clear litter and any items that have found their way into the lake.

“They work hard to clear what is left behind by the irresponsible few to ensure the area is clean, tidy and enjoyable for the majority who treat it with respect when they visit.”