by Hayley Robinson

A dad was left shocked when his four-year-old child picked-up a condom that had been dumped in the middle of children’s play area.

Kev Fennell was with his son at Albany recreation ground, Albany Road, Sittingbourne, when the offending object was found in the fenced-off section of the park.

The incident happened at around 4pm on Monday

He said: "The next thing I knew he was running over to me with it in his hands asking what it was.

"At first I shouted at him to drop it then he was confused and upset, he didn’t know what he’d done.

"After that I just wanted to leave from there. We’d only been there about 10 or 15 minutes.

"Words do not often fail me but I cannot express my disgust at this. As it’s a toddlers’ playground you’d hope that it would be sacred.

"I know it’s in a town that no doubt gets more that it’s fair share of social problems, but when toddlers have to come across something like that at a place where they’re enjoying themselves, it’s unbelievable.

"It’s a popular spot and lots of toddlers crawl around on the floor there."

The 37-year-old dad of one reported the incident to Swale council as soon as he returned to his home in Laburnum Place, Sittingbourne.

He’s now appealing to all park users to make sure they discard of their rubbish appropriately.

"I’m appealing to people’s good nature not to do this sort of thing," he said.

"They might have children themselves, or younger brothers or sisters. Don’t leave things for kids to find.

"It’s not put me off using the park as it’s one of my son’s favourite places to go, but I will be on the look out up when we’re up there in the future."

A Swale council spokesman said: "Inconsiderate people are once again spoiling trips out for families in Swale and we urge everyone to act responsibly and to think of others.

"Our park rangers patrol play areas every day and we have reminded them to be vigilant and look for particularly inappropriate items.

"We are grateful that the gentleman let us know of the issue in that play area and our park ranger removed the offending item within an hour."