Children and their parents turned out in force to show their feelings about the proposed loss of a treasured green space.

Tonbridge and Malling council has decided to extend the Upper Castle Fields car park in Tonbridge by grabbing some of the area pupils of the nearby Slade School play on after class.

The move would create 28 extra spaces.

Cabinet member Cllr Martin Coffin (Con) said the expansion would play a “pivotal role” in supporting events at the nearby castle.

On Friday, the youngsters took part in a picnic protest on the green.

Helen Vincent, who has a seven-year-old at the school, said: “The sun shone, and the children came out to play on Castle Fields after school as they so often do.

“Around 100 people turned up to protest Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s decision to extend the car park at the cost of sacrificing this precious and well-used green space in the centre of town.

“Many of the children had made banners, showing their reasons why they love the space, and why the area should be preserved.

“They played games, picnicked and enjoyed being outside after a long day in the classroom. “

“There was real community spirit, and it was joyous to watch the children have so much fun.”

An online petition against the car park extension attracted 3,907 signatures before it closed.

The decision by the council’s Conservative cabinet has been “called in” for review by backbenchers and will be debated again at a meeting of TMBC’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday.

Meanwhile, the children are planning another protest on Wednesday, April 24, at 4pm.