Controversial plans to double the number of days events can be held at a "fragile" park have sparked anger among residents.

Fear of noise, traffic and the site's preservation have arisen following Hythe Town Council’s application to extend the use of The Green from 28 days per year to 56.

The authority states the increased limit will allow it more flexibility in planning events that “are valued by the residents of Hythe” and would give it “options” to host more activities there.

But neighbours claim additional events taking place could cause problems.

Geoff German, who lives close to The Green, said: “Events on The Green over the past year have been extremely noisy. If we had an extension of this, the noise is only going to increase.

“These events also clog up traffic in the area immensely - the roads just won’t take it.”

Events on the park include boot fairs, the Hythe food festival and the circus.

Mr German and his wife, Celia, are both members of the Hythe Green Preservation Society – a voluntary organisation which aims to protect and enhance The Green.

The group also strongly opposes the idea of the extension.

Richard Bateman, chairman of the society, fears more events would damage the park's surface.

“I understand the council wants to accommodate people with events but we feel very concerned that this will have a detrimental effect on the already very fragile grass," he added.

“The events churn up the grass and it's going to cause significant damage just for some commercial gain."

Hythe Town Council believes the current 28 days is not enough to fit the demand for events.

Town clerk, Julie Abbot, said: “We do 14 boot fairs and then we only have another 14 days to fit in other events.

“If we were approved the days, we would not use all 56 but at least then we would have options to have more events.

“It is down to residents to write to the district council if they do not approve.”

The final decision will be made by the Folkestone and Hythe District Council.