Members of the National Front demonstrated outside the Coniston Hotel in Sittingbourne on Sunday objecting to plans to turn it into a reception centre for asylum seekers.

Up to 40 members of the right wing group travelled to protest about the plans which have caused anger in the local community.

They were not allowed to march because they had not applied for police permission.

But they did hand out leaflets and waved Union flags during what police described as a peaceful demonstration.

I do not think the people of Sittingbourne are bigoted but the people of Sittingbourne are angry Andrew Bowles, Swale Borough Council leader

The road outside the hotel was closed for an hour because of the protest.

Speaking on BBC Radio Kent on Monday, Andrew Bowles, leader of Swale Borough Council, said: "Sittingbourne is not an area where there has been any racial tension in the past.

"I do not think the people of Sittingbourne are bigoted but the people of Sittingbourne are angry.

"They feel they have been let down by a government that tried to con them and one cannot be totally surprised that extremists try and take advantage of this fact."

Further public meetings are being planned in Sittingbourne after twice as many people as expected turned up to a meeting on Friday to discuss plans to open the centre.

Only 300 people were allowed into the Wyvern Hall to put their views to a panel which included the head of the National Asylum Support Service which wants to use the hotel to house refugees.

Plans for the induction centre are currently on hold after public outcry about the scheme and the lack of consultation.