CAMPAIGNERS against a road through Central Park gathered there to present a petition and get a feel for what regeneration plans could mean for the town.

Protesters marched along the proposed road's route, which was marked by balloons, through the Dartford park on Saturday morning.

And a petition with between 8,000 and 10,000 signatures to Save the Park was presented to Councillor Geoff Prout near the children's playground.

Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate, said: "It was an overwhelming success showing the degree people care about the park and the concern they feel about its future."

"We're not saying we don't want a development but the road through the park is too high a price to pay. This needs to be thought through properly because the consequences are going to be disastrous."

Around 500 people took part in the demonstration against the park road which they fear will carve up one of the town's remaining treasures and put safety at risk.

The proposal is part of a £94 million plan to regenerate the town centre, which includes a Tesco hypermarket and around 450 flats in Lowfield Street, which would also be pedestrianised.

Windy weather prevented campaigners from putting up balloons showing the height of the proposed apartment blocks, which will be up to 11 storeys high.

Debate over the park road has divided along party lines, with Conservative councillors believing the road is vital for the success of the town's regeneration plans.

Deputy leader Councillor Jeremy Kite cast doubt on the petition, saying he was asked to sign the paperwork but on grounds there were plans to build a housing estate on Central Park.

He said: "However, I respect the views of the people who signed it and the petition will be considered seriously by the development control board and the council."

Cllr Prout, who will present the petition to full council next Monday said: "The event and the petition demonstrates a very clear public commitment to the park and their anxiety if it is to be carved up."