An updated artist's impression showing the proposed site of the scarecrow

Scarecrows are normally used to frighten birds off but an entrepreneur is hoping his giant version will have the opposite effect - and get people flocking in.

Romney Marsh could receive a massive boost to its tourist industry if Niko Miaoulis' ambitious plans to link a 160ft scarecrow with a rejuvenated Martello tower at Dymchurch are given the go ahead.

Mr Miaoulis estimates the scarecrow alone could cost about £1million, with another £300,000 to upgrade the Martello tower.

The businessman and publican hopes the giant scarecrow plan, which he thinks will go before Shepway councillors in a matter of months, could attract high quality tourism to the area.

The plan calls for a giant scarecrow figure, the idea of Mr Miaoulis and artist Terry Anthony, to be erected at Haguelands Village – which comprises a bistro, farm shop and maze –and to be linked by the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway to a refurbished Martello tower in Dymchurch.

The original application for the scarecrow was subject to a request for further information by the council, which gave Mr Miaoulis and Mr Anthony a chance to refine and expand their plan by incorporating the currently dishevelled tower.

Mr Miaoulis said: "Half of the tower would be taken up with a visitor centre celebrating the history of the Marsh, such as Dr Syn and the scarecrow. People would then get on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and it would bring them to the scarecrow."

He said: "Some European funding could be available to the Marsh as it is classed as a deprived area. There are also Arts Council grants and we would have to run some charitable enterprise.

"I'm excited about it. I know the council are dying to do something with the Martello tower, as it is a bit of an eyesore."

Kevin Saunders, general manager of Haguelands, thinks the project would offer visitors yet more reasons to make the most of the Marsh’s attractions.

He said: "This project is good for all aspects of business on the Marsh. When it’s wet and windy it puts people off, but they don’t look deeper. It has a lot to offer. It's unique – there is amazing wildlife, views and the beach."

The 160ft scarecrow landmark takes its inspiration from Dr Syn, the legendary fictional anti-hero of Romney Marsh, created by author Russell Thorndike, who used a scarecrow’s clothing for his disguise.