Police were called last night after Canterbury City Council refused to bow to public pressure and remove its executive.

The Conservative-controlled authority had been presented with a 3,300-name petition calling for the resignation of the 10-member ruling group.

But it failed when councillors voted 31 against resignations and 11 in favour - sparking angry protests and forcing the Lord Mayor's chauffeur to call police.

But officers did not attend the Guildhall and the protesters left.

The petition was organised by city centre businesswoman Debbie Barwick following the failed Westgate Towers traffic trial, which ended last year and was blamed for causing gridlock around Canterbury.

Ms Barwick branded council leader John Gilbey "shameless" and said the authority had lost the trust of residents.

Video: Protests turn angry at Canterbury City Council

Cllr Gilbey insisted the council had achieved much despite suffering funding cuts brought on by the recession.

Stories you might have missed

Patient notes found strewn across street

Facebook campaign brings vandal to justice

Nazi graffiti scrawled on baby's face

Cheque this out... a debt repaid five decades on