A council report will look at what can be done to improve the rural economy around Ashford.

The findings by consultants NLP will be fed into the new local plan, setting out goals for homes and jobs in the borough over the next 20 years.

Firms can contribute to the rural economic assessment by completing an online survey.

The report aims to find out what aspirations rural businesses have, how well equipped they are to deliver their goals and what they would need to expand.

Ashford Borough Council’s Cllr Clair Bell said: “Ashford‘s rural economy is diverse and we want to understand what our rural businesses need from our new local plan.

“It is very important that we hear from large companies who are employing large numbers of people at their rural sites as well as those that are building their businesses from their kitchen table.

“Only by having such a breadth of views can we build a full picture and help businesses expand, sustain or grow.”

The closing date to respond to the consultation is December 9.

To take part in the survey, click here.