Grassroots football clubs in Tunbridge Wells have branded plans to increase the cost of hiring pitches by more than 67% as a "disgrace".

The borough council last week approved proposals to hike the price of hiring an 11-a-side pitch for youth football from £37 to £62 from April next year.

Bosses say they have made the move to reflect the fact many youth teams are using adult-sized pitches, rather than children's ones.

However, a number of local youth teams have since taken to social media to vent their frustration, arguing it may discourage participation in future.

Tunbridge Wells Foresters F.C U16's tweeted: "A decision has now been made and was pushed through [last week] in a couple of minutes.

"Total disgrace and you and the ⁦‪@TWellsCouncil‬⁩ should be ashamed of yourself. 67% increase in pitch hire and clearly you don’t want children playing sport if comparing them with adults."

Jarvis Brook Juniors added: "Disgraceful! Grassroots clubs allow children to enjoy football in a safe, fun and structured environment and rely on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers.

"The social and health benefits are ignored and councils simply see an opportunity to raise cash.

Responding to concerns at the meeting on Thursday, Cllr Jane March (Cons) said: "Teenagers use the same sized pitch as the adults, and the actual charge works out at around £2.80 per player per game which reflects that the youths are actually using a big pitch rather than the small one that the children are using."