Plans for a huge screen in Dover town centre where people can watch the Olympic Games and other events have come under attack from people living and working in the area.

They say it will lead to more noise and anti-social behaviour.

News that Dover had been put forward as an Olympic Live Site was revealed by the Mercury in January.

District council officials confirmed they were working to resolve issues that may lead to a planning application for a permanent LED screen being installed, probably in the Market Square.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games had approached the council with what it described as “an important asset to the cultural attraction” for Dover, which is the first place that is not a city to be put forward.

But residents of the flats overlooking the Market Square could launch a petition against the scheme.

“We have been canvassing the area and traders and residents are against it,” said Les Richmond, who has been working with neighbour Jean Cooper to gauge opinion.

“Canterbury was offered it and refused it. These screens are not appropriate near residential properties, and we would be just 15 metres away from it."

“They say these sites can attract up to 8,000 people, which would be far too many for the Market Square. They may be able to control the volume of the screen, but they can’t control the noise of the crowd.

“The screen would operate from 7am until 11pm, and we believe it would result in more anti-social behaviour.

Mr Richmond is also concerned that the council may be trying to push the proposal through without people knowing about it. “We have seen drilling for core samples already going on,” he said.