Plans to potentially ban cars and bikes from a Kent high street have lead to fears of traffic 'chaos' in other parts of town.

A trader in Deal High Street says creating a ban zone could lead to an overspill of cars throughout the centre, which could result in congestion and long queues.

It comes as a consultation has been launched by council chiefs on a proposal to keep vehicles away from the town centre.

The potential scheme has created mixed reaction from traders.

Some working in Deal High Street say walkers currently have to "battle for space" with cars and say the absence of vehicles could help "protect" the high street.

But others fear it would cause problems for disabled shoppers, who need to park closer to town.

A month long consultation for the proposal is due to end at noon on Monday, October 10.

Kent County Council (KCC) proposes to keep motor vehicles and pushbikes out of the street, for 300 metres between Stanhope Road and Union Road.

This would be in both directions and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays.

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The authority says the temporary pedestrianisation is for safety of traffic and pedestrians and to improve the amenity of the area.

KCC says the scheme will eventually be reviewed so that it can make the decision to make the order permanent or amend or abandon it.

Katherine Mirrett, of the Miretti café within the ban zone, agrees with the restriction.

She said: "It doesn't affect us as a business and it would help the general public.

"People end up walking on the road when cars are trying to get through.

"And there is not enough space on the pavement for too many pedestrians. It becomes a battle for space."

Also supporting the proposed ban is market stall trader Julie Hughes.

She said: "It would give the town a nice feel without worrying about cars.

"We should be protecting the High Street because economically things are tough."

Resident Steven Boffey, of St Patrick's Road, Deal, said: "I agree with it. I think's going to be very good for the town and good for tourism.

"The town gets so busy on a Saturday especially this section.

"People are walking down the street with their dogs and their children.

"I think the traders generally welcome it. I know the residents think it's a good idea."

But one businesswoman against it is Teresa Raistrick of Teresa Hair Fashions, which is also within the ban zone.

She says the restriction has caused problems when used in the past because she has previously lost trade.

Mrs Raistrick said: "I disagreed right from the beginning.

"It's impacted on my business in the last two-and-a-half years.

"I've had to cut my staff hours on a Saturday.

"Also it's impacted on my clients.

"Especially the disabled clients no longer come into the salon or into Deal on a Saturday because they cannot safely park."

She added when there is a ban zone there is of an overspill of cars kept outside and stressed: "It causes chaos with the traffic all around the town."

The temporary pedestrianisations in the area were previously implemented for 10 Saturdays from August to October 2020, and again in March 2021, to help with social distancing during the pandemic.

It was done as footfall increased in the town centre when lockdown regulations were eased.

Mrs Raistrick said at these times fewer clients have been able to get to her business on a Saturday so she has had to close two hours early then, at 2pm rather than 4pm.

You can give your views for or against the new proposed restriction on the online consultation document here.