Tourism bosses fear plans for a holiday visit from a Bradford child abuser could damage a seaside resort's image.

Gareth Watkinson is planning a two-week stay in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, from Saturday after a Bradford Crown Court judge gave him special permission for the trip.

Watkinson, 22, of Denholme, pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court on Friday, June 15, to indecently assaulting a boy under 14 in February this year and is due to be sentenced on July 26.

But he has been forced out of his home after vigilante attacks and is now living in temporary accommodation at an undisclosed address.

His trip to Mablethorpe provoked a furore from parents living near Watkinson and authorities in the seaside town are concerned about its impact.

A spokesman for East Lindsey District Council, which covers Mablethorpe, said: "Mablethorpe is a popular family resort with a friendly welcome and safe environment.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment on individuals but we would not support anything or anyone that had an adverse affect on the resort's family atmosphere."

The holiday destination receives about two million visitors a year and is neighbour to the better known resort of Skegness.

It has about five holiday camps and many more caravan parks.

The Council spokesman added: "We welcome all people to Mablethorpe and do not want to do anything that would jeopardise that or affect our image.

"It is a conflict, we are a family resort and are promoted as a safe environment."

It is not yet known which camp Watkinson will be visiting but a spokesman for the Golden Sands site, run by Haven, said he would not be welcomed by them.

He said: "Like everyone else we share the abhorrence for people involved in molesting or abusing children.

"Such a person would not be welcome at Golden Sands.

"We have had many years of creating sites with a family atmosphere and that is what we want to continue."

Parents living near Watkinson in Denholme are putting together a petition calling for his eviction from the estate and are also planning a protest march.

One mother, Lesley Windle, 38, said: "We have got about 500 signatures so far and still plan to get more to present to the police.

"It's an absolute disgrace that he has been allowed to go on this holiday.

"What about all those parents and children who will be in Mablethorpe but won't have a clue who he is?"