Fans of one of Kent's most famous acting talents have raised fears his legacy is not being protected after his former home has been left to fall into rack and ruin.

Hammer horror star Peter Cushing, who lived in Whitstable for the final 25 years of his life, appeared in countless films during his lengthy career, including Dracula, Dr Frankenstein and Star Wars.

Crowds are often seen gathering outside his former residence on the town's seafront near Island Wall, which bears a blue plaque dedicated to his memory.

But residents and visitors have been left "disturbed" by its increasingly-dilapidated state - with out-of-control plants obscuring much of the neglected building.

Neighbour Michael Bax, 60, describes the garden as in "poor condition and rather overgrown".

"I haven’t noticed anyone living there or using it," he said.

“I think local figures should be celebrated in their communities.

"There is a plaque on it. It is a shame it's not in the condition it should be.

"Obviously, it’s a private house so we can’t comment on what its owner does with it, but it would be nice if it looked a little nicer.

"The garden is very overgrown so it’s not been cared for in the recent past."

Another neighbour, Aysegul Coles, 57, described Cushing as a "beautiful character" and believes people who "achieved good things like him" deserve a fitting tribute.

"It is very sad to see it like that," she said.

KentOnline understands the owners of the home - who Ms Coles describes as "sensible and lovely neighbours when they were here" - now live away from the property and are currently unable to carry out any renovations.

"I know the current owners are not well and they couldn’t manage to renovate the house.

"I’m sure they are going to do it at some point.

"They're both very sensible and lovely neighbours when they were here."

Ms Coles says she has seen crowds gathering outside the home, with people travelling to the area to see it.

"Of course, it needs TLC and the plaque just stays there," she added.

"People come to see the house for him like Charles Dickens in Broadstairs.

"People love to look at it. I have heard conversations when people pass by, saying things like ‘I can’t see it because it’s overgrown’ and ‘it’s so sad to see it like this’ - and they’re right but the owners are not well."

"If they were better, I am sure they would."

Although Cushing has a Wetherspoon pub named after him and a display dedicated to him at the Whitstable Museum, there are calls for the film star to be given more prominence in the town.

Tourist David Whewell, from Macclesfield, spoke highly of a recent visit to Whitstable - but as a Peter Cushing fan, says he was left disheartened.

"The one disappointment we experienced as fans of British film and especially its horror films was the lack of prominence given to the association the town has with Peter Cushing," he said.

"We did what we could and sought out some of his art at the excellent museum, found a seat on his Cushing's View bench and had lunch in his favourite Tudor Tea Rooms.

"We also visited his house, although we were saddened to see it in a rather neglected condition."

Mr Whewell told how it was in stark contrast to a recent visit to Whitby, where the town's Dracula connection is "milked for all its worth" and brings in many fans.

"We feel that Mr Cushing was a gifted artist and jeweller whose work deserves more attention," he added.

"Many people still hold his Hammer horror and Doctor Who films in great affection, and to a younger generation he will also be associated with his role in Star Wars.

"The town may not want to attract the Goth visitor en masse that Whitby has made its own but we felt that the town misses something of a trick in not giving his legacy more attention.

"Perhaps a mural like the one featuring Somerset Maugham, a bigger permanent space for his art, a display at the railway station, more of his films shown at the Horsebridge cinema - around Halloween - and his house given some TLC are some thoughts."

Cushing was known for having old-fashioned manners and a good sense of humour.

Locals were reported to be very protective of him and would often be uncooperative about directing strangers to his home.

Whitstable Museum trustee Peter Banbury explained how Cushing moved to the town as his wife had "delicate health".

“They bought the house specifically because Helene Cushing had delicate health and they chose Whitstable because of the clear air.

"He was also a great swimmer and could swim everyday when he could. It was also a reasonable distance from London with the West End and film industry.

"So to see the house in a dreadful state is disturbing.

"But I can’t see there is any way you can interfere in someone's private house."

Mr Banbury says the house is in an "absolutely brilliant position and it must be worth well over a £1 million".

He says the museum is "quite surprised" by how many people still come to look at the Peter Cushing display.

"He died in 1994 and his legacy continues," he said.

"As to us doing more, we have plans in the museum to revamp the display because we have film costumes and things in storage - and we want to put more out on display.

"Whether the town can do more depends on finance and finding someone to organise it."

Cushing starred in more than 100 films, including more than 20 from Hammer. He died aged 81 in 1994 at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury.