More than 300 people have signed a petition calling for the reopening of a footpath closed to allow controversial redevelopment work to begin.

Opponents of the divisive Princes Parade scheme on the coast between Hythe and Sandgate are furious that a route between the Royal Military Canal and the beach has been fenced off during the height of the summer.

Chris Farrell, Hilary St. Clare and Nicki Stuart delivered the petition to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), which is the driving force behind the redevelopment of the seafront site.

"You can imagine our frustration at seeing the access closed when no work is taking place," Ms Stuart said.

"Access is being denied during the summer holidays to families wishing to visit the beach and the many dog walkers, paddleboarders, swimmers and walkers, not to mention the extreme inconvenience for disabled residents and visitors.

"We expect the council and the construction company to work with the public.

"This petition is an indicator of the local concern and frustration about the closed path."

Hoardings started going up around the land, which is earmarked for new housing, a leisure centre and other commercial buildings, back in June.

People living near the site, which includes part of a former council waste dump, fought a long and vocal campaign against the redevelopment of the land.

FHDC responded to the petition by saying "public safety is paramount" when decisions about access are made.

A spokesman said: "We have given consideration to reopening the path overnight and discussed the idea with our contractors.

"We have concluded, at present, it would not be in compliance with the agreed plans for maintaining public safety.

"Other residents living nearby have raised concerns about other risks created by public access including the risk of children gaining access to the site working area, so we have to balance these viewpoints.

"However, to respond to residents' requests, if we can we will reopen the footpath temporarily once the current operations - mainly the placing of hoardings - are completed until more extensive work starts on site in September."