THE FULL scale of the medieval-style theme park planned for Canterbury was revealed this week -- much to the horror of many local people.

It would sprawl across 20 acres, cost £25 million and attract up to a million visitors a year.

But questions are already being asked about what the attraction, called Time Travellers, will do for Canterbury residents -- other than add to the existing gridlock.

It is being trumpeted by the city council as the flagship element of the extensive Kingsmead redevelopment plans which were published this week.

The scheme also includes:

* A new primary school

* A new theatre to replace the Marlowe

* Hotel and conference centre

* At least 300 new homes

* Business workshops

The authority sees the theme park as the solution to boosting dwindling tourist trade in the city. It would create up to 150 jobs. Visitors to the park will be taken on interactive and hi-tech journeys of momentous events in history -- from the Roman occupation to the evacuation of Dunkirk in1940.

Marketing company Spring O’Brien has put the proposal to the city council and claims it will offer a unique experience. Already alarm bells are ringing over how the city’s groaning road network will cope with the extra traffic.

But council leader Alex Perkins says the authority is duty bound to put the proposal to local people. He said: “We have had a genuine approach from a company who are interested in developing this idea. We are not about to fix the consultation by withholding it from the public.

“My own view is that it is unlikely to get support, particularly because of the traffic implications. But we will wait and see what people say.”

Sturry councillor, Marion Attwood said: “I think our council officers must need their heads examined if they think it will get widespread support. It is the last thing local people need.”

Peter Munson, who represents Northgate on the St Peter’s Association, said: “I’m flabbergasted. It looks like a daft idea to me.”

The council’s director of strategic planning, Robin Cooper, concedes the traffic implications will need scrutiny but says Canterbury must attract more visitors because of falling numbers to sites such as the Cathedral.

The proposals will go out to public consultation next week with exhibitions at the Northgate Community Centre on January 25 and 26 and at Kingsmead Leisure Centre on January 27 and 28.

A survey questionnaire has also been published to get public responses which will be available at the exhibitions or can be filled in on-line at www.canterbury.gov.uk/kingsmead