ANGRY residents say their seaside town has been ruined by the council - with tourists forced out and locals living in fear.
The new Guildhall Square in Sandwich, Dover, has been branded a "waste of money".
The council said it brought in the new square to make the area "easily accessible" to locals - but they are unimpressed.
Fuming residents claim the million-pound transformation will scare tourists away from their picturesque seaside town.
The costly plans proposed four years ago went over budget reaching an eye-whooping sum of £1.25m.
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Resident Victoria Cleary-Ford told KentOnline: “There is no added value to this and there are other things in the town we desperately need.
“It is not really bringing anything to Sandwich. I do not see any tourists flocking here."
Her pal Lorraine Smith added: "It's a real shame Sandwich has spent a lot of money on replacing cobbles with cobbles."
The development included highways improvements, resurfacing works and a new bus stop.
The pull-in previously used was moved from New Street to the junction in Cattle Market.
Bosses say the new position was intended to reduce congestion.
But concerned locals claim it is "extremely dangerous" and it has created a new hazard for pedestrians.
Sandwich resident Roy Elliot said: “It is badly thought out and dangerous. They have been put in the wrong position.
“When there is a bus, a queue of people, and people trying to get past and across the road, it is dangerous and just does not make sense.
“It is ridiculous and a disgrace really. Did anybody think it out?” he said.
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However, some residents disagree and are pleased with the new look of Guildhall Square with one compering it to a "piazza".
Claire Goodall said: “I like the open feel and think it lends itself to being able to walk freely around.
“Now seeing the open space, it feels like a piazza. I am impressed with it – I was doubtful."
A spokesman for Dover District Council said the work has created a larger public space for the community in Sandwich.
They told The Sun: "The work has created a larger, more accessible and more flexible public space, using materials in keeping with the historic setting, and the much improved area has already been used for a number of fantastic events in Sandwich.
"The design for the highways work around the bus stop was undertaken by the highway authority, Kent County Council, and has been the subject of a safety audit to ensure the design meets highways safety standards."
It comes as other residents claim their seaside town has been turned into a multi-coloured mess by the council.
The "Golden Mile" in Paignton, Dorset has been slathered with garish red and blue paint.
Torbay Council said it brought in the new road surface to make the street safer for locals - but not all of them appreciate it.
One said: "Goodness me. Give the holidaymakers a good laugh I suppose.
"How to waste money - just ask Torbay."
