A Spanish-style plaza on the Kent coast is set to be completed by the end of the month - shutting off a stretch of seafront to motorists.

The divisive scheme in Herne Bay has seen the road and a number of parking spaces opposite the town’s pier paved over to create a space for events.

But with much controversy surrounding the £250,000 project, efforts are already being made to stop the plaza becoming a “glorified traffic island”.

Supporters believe the scheme - led by Kent County Council (KCC) - could untap the town’s potential, with authority bosses maintaining it will “boost the local economy and encourage more trips to the town’s pier”.

However, critics have branded the work, which also includes a new one-way system and 20mph zone, a “total waste of time and money”.

Opinion on the project has been divided, with more than half of the 183 respondents to a public consultation on the plans previously expressing concern.

Despite the backlash, Cllr Chris Cornell, the cabinet member for coastal towns at Canterbury City Council, has urged residents to work with the authority to make the best use of the seafront square, which is set to open before the end of the year.

“Before you ask - we can’t stop it, reopen the road or refund you the money spent on it – that’s KCC’s decision,” said Cllr Cornell, the Labour member for Gorrell ward in Whitstable.

“We know KCC’s scheme has not been universally popular with residents, and people have a number of reservations.

“But with Christmas around the corner, we’re determined to step in and ensure this project doesn’t become a turkey now the work has been completed.

“We want to work with the community, charities and businesses to bring this part of the town alive with all sorts of activities and events that people will really want to be a part of, will really enjoy and will want to come back for, time and again.

“If we all work together, we can make this area really vibrant and really interesting rather than a glorified traffic island.”

The area in question - between the junctions with Pier Avenue and Station Road - has already been resurfaced but will remain open to traffic until the plaza launches.

New road markings and signs are also being installed in surrounding streets ahead of the implementation of a one-way system and 20mph zone.

As part of the changes, vehicles will no longer be able to turn off the high street into Pier Avenue, which is being made one-way in the opposite direction.

Motorists will also only be able to travel eastbound along St George’s Terrace, with Dolphin Street restricted to southbound traffic.

Telford Street and Richmond Street - between the high street and Central Parade - will also be made one-way, westbound and northbound, respectively.

The changes have attracted criticism on a local Facebook residents’ group, where they have been branded “crazy”.

Ian Horton Snr wrote: “Traffic travelling east along Central Parade having to turn right into Pier Avenue up a very short steep hill crossing St George’s Terrace, a recipe for disaster.

“Whoever designed this debacle must live in the Outer Hebrides.”

Phil Holden added: “We have an apartment in Chislet Court in Pier Avenue where it’s now going to be one-way.

“That little bit of road will not cope with all the traffic that comes down the seafront from both directions, and the road behind the Sunset Fish Bar. it will back up in three directions and [motorists] aren’t going to be able to get into or out of our car park, nor will deliveries or emergency vehicles.”

As well as expressions of interest in community and charitable events and commercial activities, the council is looking for a tenant for an annual licence to manage the space.