An application has been lodged by organisers of a long-running funfair to hold two events over the next five months - despite fears the police do not have the resources to monitor them.

A Canterbury City Council report in November revealed officers have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour over the past two years near to, but not inside, the Forrest Amusements pleasure park.

They argued the funfair, which has been a regular fixture in the town for more than 30 years, is a drain on police and the Memorial Park is an "unsuitable location".

The report also said officers raised it as an issue because they no longer have the resources to police it.

However, local authority spokesman Rob Davies confirmed Forrest Amusements has applied to hold the funfairs at the Memorial Park in May and August.

Town centre councillor Andrew Cook believes a new location which is easier to police should be sought.

“We have had the funfair on the seafront between the front of the pier and Lane End before,” he explained.

“I would prefer it to be there because it was well-liked by people and it was probably easier for the police to man that area.

“The park isn’t particularly well-lit and it has a number of exits, which allow people to get away quickly.

“This issue is down to the police, though.”

Cllr Cook also says the funfair is unpopular with those who live close to the Memorial Park.

One of the reasons for this, he states, is the level of pollution the amusements’ diesel generators create.

“No one who lives around it has said to me they want to keep the funfair in the park – they all say the opposite,” he said.

“They are not fond of it being in the park because of the noise and the pollution it creates.”

Mr Davies says Forrest Amusements’ generators, as well as the issue of security, will be discussed with the fair operator.

He said: “These applications are going through the usual safety advisory group process and a decision will be made in due course.

“Among the issues we’re discussing with the fair operator are the use of generators and security at the site, both of which were raised at a previous meeting of the Herne Bay Forum.”

Police declined to comment.

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