Anti-racism campaigners have said they are concerned about the tone of a demonstration against an asylum induction centre in Sittingbourne.

Dozens of people spent up to six hours picketing the Coniston Hotel, in London Road, in protest at plans to use it as an asylum induction centre.

The demonstration, which involved people of all ages with placards and union flags, remained peaceful.

But David Turner, from Swale Against Racism, said on Sunday he believed the underlying mood in the town was cause for concern.

I don't think any of these people are really concerned about the local tourist trade or keeping the hotel David Turner, Swale Against Racism

He said: "We can see banners here saying that they want to stay British, whatever that means.

"Does that mean no black people, no Jews?

"There are signs saying that they don't want immigrants, they don't want foreigners coming here.

"To me, that's racism and that's xenophobia and I don't think any of these people are really concerned about the local tourist trade or keeping the hotel."

Country's concerns

The demonstrators have pledged to carry on their protest, however, and plan another march for Friday 14 February.

Mick Apps, of the Swale Action Committee, said: "It keeps the pressure on and the issue in the public eye.

"Basically we are voicing the concerns of the country in regard to what's happening to communities.

"The amount of support that we are getting from across the country I think shows that."

Plans by the private firm Accommodata to use the hotel as an asylum induction centre have been put on hold while local residents are consulted.

A second public meeting has been organised by Swale Borough Council at Wyvern Hall, in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, for 1900 GMT on 13 February.