Funfair rides could be installed in Calverley Grounds this Christmas, despite strong public opposition.

An application has been submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council proposing the construction of a ferris wheel and dodgems.

The facilities would accompany the temporary ice rink which is erected in the grounds every year.

The two rides would run for nine weeks. An associated plant would need to be installed to provide power.

The planning application seeks to change the use of the particular section of the grounds for five years.

The rides would be positioned in the lowest park of the grounds which organisers say would minimise visual disruption to neighbouring properties.

However, all nearby residents who were consulted have objected.

In a letter to the council Mr and Mrs Bandy said: "We consider that a "fun fair", which is what the change of use allures to, would be out of character with previous uses.

"A ferris wheel would obscure our views out and may well gives its users views into and over our property which would affect our privacy."

Secretary of the Friends of Calverley Grounds, Jane Fenwick, said she is disappointed the council is considering the application.

In a letter she said: "Over the years the ice rink has been operating, there has been an effective consultative relationship between the Friends of Calverely Grounds, local residents and TWBC that sought to ensure levels of noise and lighting have been tolerable for residents living nearby.

"Dodgems are inherently a noisy attraction with bumper cars designed to crash into each other resulting in screams and squeals from the passengers.

"Fairground attractions come with loud music as part of the entertainment. Their noise and music will conflict and compete with the ice rink attraction. The resulting cacophony created in the natural amphitheater of Calverley Grounds every day for nine weeks will be intolerable for local residents, business, hotel residents and visitors to the ice rink."

"We cannot allow further extensions into the pure grass areas where the damage would be so great to blight the park which is a green flag park" - Jane Fenwick

Miss Fenwick also said the proposal could potentially damage the grounds and would spoil the "festive magic" of the popular ice rink.

Mr Vincent said: "This park suffers from a great amount of damage left after the ice rink is removed causing large areas of the grass to be defiled.

"We cannot allow further extensions into the pure grass areas where the damage would be so great to blight the park which is a green flag park.

"Would any councillor or council employee like this lot to be dumped at an area next to their place of residence for nine weeks. While the Ice Rink causes only slight disturbance to residences on the park boundary this application is a different matter."

Mr Harris added: "This proposal, like every other council scheme for Calverley Grounds over the past two years, has not been discussed with residents.

"These additional fairground attractions would raise noise levels, increase light pollution, generate traffic and parking congestion, further damage the parks fabric and encroach on its visual unity."