Extinction Rebellion protesters have spray-painted bikes on a council's parking spaces as it demands its workers cycle more.

The environmental campaigners targeted the Guildhall car park in Canterbury in a video shared online.

But Canterbury City Council has blasted the group and say its claims it has no interest in cycling are based on "a myth".

The authority has reserved parking at the site - which have been "repurposed" by the activists for use as cycle spaces.

In the YouTube video, the group states: "The provision for cycling in and around Canterbury at the moment is derisory.

"Cycle lanes are too narrow, dangerously overhung with vegetation, rutted with root intrusions and perforated by potholes."

Extinction Rebellion is known for organising protests and publicity stunts in a bid to call for government action on climate change.

Canterbury City Council declared a climate emergency last year.

The council came to a unanimous, cross-party decision, declaring an emergency and introducing a target to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

Extinction Rebellion has now called on the council to lead by example so "ambitious sustainable transport plans" can be implemented.

The video continues: "Regular cycling by councillors and council workers should be encouraged."

A spokesperson for the city council said providing new cycle routes and upgrading existing ones are included in large housing developments and projects in the district.

"The irony that a group that supposedly cares about the environment has effectively graffitied an area outside a historic building is not lost on us, but we're in strange times and nothing would really surprise us these days," they said.

"Their view is based on a myth that we have no interest in cycling, but this is far from the case, as a quick look at our walking and cycling strategy would confirm."

The spokesman said the authority is working with the county council to consider and plan for cycling initiatives in the district.

"Extinction Rebellion clearly has no understanding of the travel habits of our staff, many of whom cycle to work already, as evidenced by our busy cycle shed at Military Road," they added.

"We'd suggest they approach individual councillors, the chief executive and the deputy chief executive directly if they'd like details of their exploits on two wheels."

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