CONCERNS are mounting in Poole's Canford Cliffs over a 'Supercar Sunday' event being advertised through social media.

The car meet, which has already attracted plenty of attention online, is scheduled for the Ravine Road car park at the weekend.

Some local residents are worried the event, which has not been granted permission from BCP Council, could lead to antisocial driving in the area - even a possible accident on the scale of the one that left 18 people injured in Stevenage last month.

It was during that charity car meet, which had also been advertised on Facebook, that two boy racers ploughed into spectators.

The forthcoming Canford Cliffs meet, set for Sunday, is being advertised on Facebook by Thomas Stretch.

Responding online to the Echo, after we passed on residents' concerns about the possibility of speeding drivers and an accident, he said: "I've done all I can to try and ensure this doesn't happen by telling people to be sensible.

"However, it is completely out of my control."

Indeed, in Mr Stretch's Facebook post accompanying details of the event, he told attendees: "As always please try to keep the noise down and avoid doing any burnouts in the car park itself to respect the car park owners and the local people in Canford Cliffs, the last thing we want happening is the event being stopped because of silly behaviour."

Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Dorset Police, said: "We are aware of this event and will look to work with the organisers and local community as well as our council partners to ensure the safety of members of the public and make sure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

“We would ask anyone attending to abide by the laws of the road and be respectful of local residents.

"Dorset Police will take appropriate action to deal with reports of any offences.”

Meanwhile, Branksome Park & Canford Cliffs Residents' Association (BPCCRA) says anecdotal evidence from its members suggest previous meetings have been followed by excess speeds on surrounding roads.

A statement from BPCCRA chairman Adrian Wardlow said: "In the light of the recent tragedy at one of these gatherings in Stevenage, we would like assurances from our police that they will mount a visible presence on the day to dissuade the mavericks from performing."

"As a bit of a petrol head myself, my personal experience is that most of the supercar drivers are responsible and enthusiastic people.

"However, I don't wish to see a repeat of the Stevenage tragedy here or elsewhere, and as such believe that only formally organised events should be permitted."

BCP Council parking services manager Helen Taverner said: "We are liaising with both the police and the residents' association and we will be closely monitoring the situation."

Meanwhile, Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: "We are grateful for the residents' association bringing this proposed event to our attention, since we have not been proactively contacted by the organisers.

"Whilst we are not proposing to close the car park due to the negative further impact this could have on local traders and beach users, we do all recognise the risks and inconvenience this could cause to those living in the area, and we are working with Dorset Police and will take any necessary action to maintain public safety and tackle anti-social behaviour."