A row has erupted over plans to borrow money to fund Cranbrook's multi-million-pound community centre.

Residents have voted against plans for Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council borrowing £2 million to build the centre.

More than 1,000 residents responded to the vote, with more than half rejecting the bid.

The cash is needed to start work on the centre, earmarked for Wilkes Field near the High Street.

It would have been paid off over 50 years through increased in council tax.

The council distributed 2,643 voting cards to residents of the two villages, with 1,038 votes returned.

Counting revealed 574 people said no, 454 backed the loan and 10 spoilt their papers.

The votes were independently counted by Cranbrook-based solicitors, Buss Murton and Kingsford.

Bridget Veitch, chairman of the parish council, said: "Having received a very comprehensive information sheet, residents have voted in the most democratic way.

"The parish council will now need to undertake a significant fundraising project."

Half a million has already been pledged towards the £2,743,000 project.

Councillors will discuss a fundraising strategy at a future meeting, but a date hasn't yet been confirmed.