Fed-up residents in a vandalism-hit area are calling for cameras to be set up to catch the "moron thugs" blighting the community.

People in Kennington, Ashford have become so annoyed with repeated anti-social behaviour, which saw a bin set alight in a park in the latest of a string of incidents, they want CCTV installed.

The bin in Bockhanger Park was targeted on Friday evening.

The fire service was called just after 5pm to the park off Beecholme Drive after reports of the blaze.

One fire engine attended and crews used a fire bucket to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause is unknown.

The flames were put out just after 5.15pm.

A police spokesman said officers also received a report on the fire in Rectory Way and details were passed to fire crews.

Cllr Diccon Spain (Lab) says he is very disappointed by the latest incident.

"Not only is this pointless vandalism but this arson is dangerous," he said.

"It wastes money that is needed for other things.

"I have been pushing for CCTV to cover Rectory Way park for some time as this is a well-used park and it's right at the intersection of a number of popular pedestrian routes.

"CCTV at this location would really increase the safety of people and also act to protect local amenities like the play area and equipment."

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Peter New says arson can have very serious outcomes as fires can spread quickly and damage property the arsonist did not intend to in the first place.

"Even a small fire can see the deployment of the local fire appliances and suddenly a more serious incident on the other side of town occurs and there is a delay as the local engines are tied up on a needless incident and appliances from neighbouring stations take longer to arrive," he said.

"There is no doubt that in the area is a group of moron thugs who continue to cause anti social behaviour and criminal damage.

"Damage to vehicles and property cause upset, distress and financial hardship for working families in the area.

"Arson takes that behaviour into another level and is extremely dangerous."

He added if he had to write a one liner about his fire service background and experiences he would say "every fire he ever attended started out as some stage the size of a finger nail".

"If you were with people who carry out these actions get right away from them now. They may get you killed," he said.

"Many in the community know the people responsible.

"I appeal to the community to name those responsible before something happens that we all regret.

"I also ask the community to report all events like this including anti social behaviour and criminal damage and that is by 999 call. These are crimes in progress and require the fire service to attend to deal with incidents at the smallest possible state before they spread."

It comes after street lights were smashed with rocks as vandals struck again in Trinity Road last week.

The road plagued by anti-social behaviour saw four lampposts smashed and sparked fears among residents "the catapult kids are back”.

A walker told KentOnline last week she has had to carry her dog down part of the route in Kennington as the pavement is littered with glass from the broken lamps.

Bus operator Stagecoach also decided to suspend services after dark following incidents when vandals threw rocks at buses and subsequently smashing a window.

Bosses said at the time that they could not tolerate the "dangerous and reckless attacks" so made the decision to cut some services in a bid to keep passengers and drivers safe.