Hundreds of jobs are at risk following the shock announcement developers building a £3.2 billion theme park in Kent have split with a key partner, councillors have warned.

London Resort Company Holdings, says cutting ties with the Hollywood giant Paramount Pictures will not affect its goal to submit a planning application in the coming months.

But members of the Medway Labour Group say the loss of a big-name partner raises fundamental questions about the viability of the project and thousands of badly needed jobs.

Cllr Andy Stamp, the group’s spokesman for regeneration, said: "It is in Medway's economic interests that this project makes it off the drawing board and finally becomes a reality.

"However, the withdrawal of Paramount places a big question mark over the viability of the project, and may not give potential investors the confidence they need to put their money where their mouth is.

"The project urgently requires a new high-profile partner to give the proposals both credibility and distinction, vital ingredients for any successful project of this nature.

"Thousands of jobs in north Kent hinge on getting this project right" - Cllr Vince Maple

"So much effort and money has been spent on the project so far.

"It would be a tragedy for the north Kent economy if it were to come to nothing."

His comments were echoed by Medway Labour group leader Cllr Vince Maple who said: "Today's news is worrying because we are told by London Resort Company Holdings that a planning application is only a matter of months away.

"Thousands of jobs in North Kent hinge on getting this project right, but after five years of talking it is still not clear what sort of attraction is coming to Swanscombe.

"We need look no further than the demise of Dickens World to see what happens when developers get it wrong.

"It would be folly to ignore the mistakes of the past, then repeat them."