'Radical' action is being taken to stop 'traffic chaos' and littering issues at a Kent beauty spot.

Over the last few weekends, visitors have flocked to Folkestone's seafront to soak up the sunshine following the government's loosening of some lockdown restrictions.

But with more people - some travelling to the town from as far away as Birmingham - comes more cars and more rubbish.

Photos show overflowing bins in the Lower Leas coastal park, which runs parallel to the beach, with one councillor claiming they could not be emptied fast enough before they were filled up again.

Visitors were also found to be 'dangerously' parking on double yellow lines and restricting access, leaving barbecues lit - sparking two fire - and hanging out in large crowds, prompting fears over social distancing.

Now, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has vowed to bring in new measures to combat the problems.

Firstly, six additional bins, each with a 1,110 litre capacity, are set to be installed in the coastal park to tackle the litter problem created by 'inconsiderate' visitors.

Barbecuing is now banned in the coastal park with immediate effect, with new signs set to be installed to let visitors know.

It comes after a bin in Dymchurch, on Romney Marsh, caught fire on Sunday after someone threw a still-lit barbecue away. Fire crews were called to extinguish the flames and damage was minimal.

The fire service was also called to the coastal park last night (Monday) after another barbecue needed putting out.

Double yellow lines along Radnor Cliff Road, which is close to the coastal park, are also set to be refreshed in a bid to remind people not to park there.

This comes after an ambulance struggled to get down the road after the weekend.

A lockable barrier is also due to be installed at the coastal park car park, which will see it closed overnight from 8pm to 8am.

This is to stop people staying in the area until late in the evening after some people were found along the coast as late as 11pm.

It is also understood the council is consulting on whether to change the maximum stay in that car park from all day to potentially a maximum of four hours to "discourage people from all-day stays".

Electronic signs could also be installed at various points across the district - which includes Hythe and Romney Marsh - so that the council can issue alerts to beach goers.

Finally, the council is hoping to increase the amount of enforcement and advisory officers on patrol to give a "higher visual presence" to visitors.

District councillor Tim Prater (Lib Dem) is supporting the move following the rise of problems in the town.

He said: "We all know that the position in the Lower Leas park this weekend and in previous weekends has not been acceptable, and was not sustainable.

"Although the vast majority of people are using our parks and open spaces considerately, some just are not.

"The council has been trying to clear as quickly as they can, with many bins being emptied three times a day.

"However the sheer volume of rubbish is overwhelming even that level of response at the weekends at this moment.

"I've been pushing council officers and the leader for radical action.

"I think these are big moves, being offered in good faith, and should make a real difference.

"I think this is a good example of the council now listening to the massive concerns of local residents on the problems in the park and taking action to sort it so the park can be enjoyed again by local residents.

"Clearly not all of these changes can be made overnight but will be made as soon as possible."

Leader of FHDC Cllr David Monk said: “We’re lucky enough to live in an extraordinary district that many people want to visit.

"However, we know over the last few weeks the scale of visitors to the Coastal Park area has caused issues.

"Barbeques in particular have become a blight on the park causing damage to tables and grass with the results costing hundreds to repair.

"Last night (June 1) the fire brigade were called to a fire in the Coastal Park which is further proof that we an outright ban on barbeques and open fires in the park is the best way forward."

A spokesman for FHDC added: "Our district, especially the coastline, was very busy once again over the weekend.

"Unfortunately some visitors did not tidy up after themselves and left our beauty spots in a dreadful state.

"We are working hard to clean up after these inconsiderate people, but attitudes have to change to ensure everyone can enjoy our open spaces.

"Parking tickets were also issued to motorists who decided to park in dangerous places, with emergency vehicles reporting difficulties getting to certain locations as a result.

"We understand people want to enjoy the good weather, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of others.

"We worked in partnership with Kent Police and others to remind residents and visitors about social distancing and the government guidance around gatherings.

"Our officers came across people from as far away as Birmingham."

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone