Dame Kelly Holmes with the Olympic torch at Tonbridge Castle

Council officials ruled Olympic banners could not be put up as planned – because lampposts were not strong enough.

Specially-commissioned banners were meant to be erected outside Tonbridge station for an Olympic event led by double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.

But Kent County Council ruled they could not be erected at the planned site – and the banners had to be put up in less central locations.

Behdad Haratbar, head of programmed work at KCC, said: "Wherever possible we grant permission but this depends on the proposed decorations and the strength of the street light in question.

"We will not allow the safety of the public to be compromised."

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